Hagler wins over Leonard, his 14th & 15th title defense opponents,,,

[wmute]

Hagler-Leonard was for the WBC Middleweight belt only. The WBC mandated 12 round fights in 1983. Hagler's previous two title fights against Hearns and Mugabi were also scheduled for 12 rounds. So let the crying stop.

Consider that Leonard was two weight divisions above his best fighting weight and had been inactive for the better part of 5 years then ask yourself who had the advantages.

consider hagler was past his prime, and the ring size still stays

and it is widely known that hagler said yes to everything leonard asked for more $$$

was hagler dumb? yes.
was hagler responsible for the negotiations? yes

no crying here

[SABBATH]

Weelll, I specifically remember Tompkins mentioning that while they were negotiating the fight, Leonard's camp insisted upon the 12 round limit. Maybe that had something to do with the IBF and WBA stripping Hagler...I don't know that for sure; but I do remember negotiations over the prescribed limit being a topic of conversation.

The IBF and WBA stripped Hagler for not facing a mandatory challenger and signing to fight the unranked Leonard instead.

[K-DOGG]

The IBF and WBA stripped Hagler for not facing a mandatory challenger and signing to fight the unranked Leonard instead.

I did figure that was the case with the strippinig; but regarding the fight limit...I do specifically remember Barry Tompkins discussing it with Merchant as it Hagler did have a choice.

[SABBATH]

I did figure that was the case with the strippinig; but regarding the fight limit...I do specifically remember Barry Tompkins discussing it with Merchant as it Hagler did have a choice.

For the fight to be scheduled for 15 rounds would have made it contrary to the rules and regs of the WBC and thus likely would not have been sanctioned. Hagler never asked for 15 rounds against Mugabi and Hearns, (both fights which were sanctioned by the WBA who were still using 15 rounds) so I've always considered it sour g****s on Hagler's part.

[The Noose]

I've been thinking of this what ifs, Hagler-Leonard superfight 87' if the judges decision somehow went in Hagler's favor and he goes after breaking Monzon's record of 14 title defenses, who would be his last two opponents? Now here's my opinion and the outcome:

its understandable Hagler only takes career defining fights at that stage, looking at the status of the MW division, Graham has just lost to Kalambay, and Barkley, Frank Tate, Ojaijde arent marque names yet, so Hagler's 14th. defense will come vs mike McCallum, who was impressive in KO'ing donald curry and a year before KO'd Jackson, so Hagler vs McCallum happens in late 87', and it was a difficult fight as expected, Hagler squeezes by a close but comfortable decision over the "body snatcher", meanwhile Hearns and Roldan (they fought for the vacant title) fought in an elimination bout instead, In Hagler's historic 15th.title defense, the stage is set for Hagler-Hearns II, summer of 88', it was war all over again and this time it took Hagler just two rounds longer, stopping Hearns in 5 rounds, thus becoming arguably the Greatest middleweight of all time.

Incidentally, Hearns and Duran won their 4th.titles in the middleweight division at expense of Roldan and Barkley, not necessarily hall of famers, how history was bitter for the marvelous one following the dispute, controversial loss to leonard.

Excellent thread. Ive never thought of this before.
I think the McCallum fight would have been a real test. I think the Hearns fight took alot out of Hagler, but even before then he was slowing against Duran IMO.
Its quite likely McCallum beats Hagler. He was skillful and young and faster then Hagler. Hagler was there for the taking.

[SonnyG8R]

I think Leonard won in the ring

I think Hagler lost at the negotiation table. (12 rounds, ring,... anyone knows if gloves were discussed, too?)

another question is what would have happened if that little sugar-***** gave hagler a rematch?

I hear what you are saying, but Hagler got what he wanted to. The $$$ he gave up all those concessions for a larger share of the pie. It's all a matter of priorities. You could also say that Hagler under estimated Sugar and didn't think anything would make a difference. His overconfidence and greed were his undoing.

[wmute]

I hear what you are saying, but Hagler got what he wanted to. The $$$ he gave up all those concessions for a larger share of the pie. It's all a matter of priorities. You could also say that Hagler under estimated Sugar and didn't think anything would make a difference. His overconfidence and greed were his undoing.

I actually wrote that two posts after the one you quoted

[Piggu]

I'm not sure, I was just thinking about this today when I rewatched the Tale of Hagler-Leonard.