Why did Hagler avoid the Leonard rematch?

[JAB5239]

Leonard offered Hagler a rematch. When Leonards people approached him about it he said to "tell Ray to get a life".

Now I don't believe this was a duck. Hagler retired and stayed that way. Had he come back and not tried to avenge, that could be called a duck.

Was he just tired of boxing? It's politics? Or did he think Ray had his number?

I personally think he was frustrated he lost the decision. An old adage in boxing was you had to beat the champ, meaning convincingly, to win the title. While i initially had him winning, after watching again i had Leonard winning. In my mind it doesnt mattrr how big or small a win is. A win is a win. Could this have played a part in why Hagler retired, or could it have been for other reasons?

[Butt stuff]

Leonard offered Hagler an immediate rematch. When Haglers people approached him about it he said to "tell Ray to get a life".

Now I don't believe this was a duck. Hagler retired and stayed that way. Had he come back and not tried to avenge, that could be called a duck.

Was he just tired of boxing? It's politics? Or did he think Ray had his number?

I personally think he was frustrated he lost the decision. An old adage in boxing was you had to beat the champ, meaning convincingly, to win the title. While i initially had him winning, after watching again i had Leonard winning. In my mind it doesnt mattrr how big or small a win is. A win is a win. Could this have played a part in why Hagler retired, or could it have been for other reasons?

I thought it was the other way around? Hagler was pushing for a rematch and Leonard retired? Then suddenly came out of retirement after Hagler announced his retirement.

[Anomalocaris]

He knew he would lose more widely than the first time.

Ray would not have the ring rust.

Of the Four Kings the only one who never made excuses was Tommy.

Hagler whined for decades, Duran's' autobiography refuses to credit any victory to his opponents, at least Ray was totally honest in his and also admits Tommy won the second fight.

[JAB5239]

I thought it was the other way around? Hagler was pushing for a rematch and Leonard retired? Then suddenly came out of retirement after Hagler announced his retirement.

https://www.bloodyknockout.com/featu...marvin-hagler/

[Mr Mitts]

About ten things have to be adjusted and re-synchronized for Hagler to possibly win a rematch. He would never have put it that way but that is what it amounts to. The only ideal time span for this rematch is within 6 months. Adjustments and re-synchronizing have to be achieved within that time span.

The first chapter of that period for Marv would have to be devoted to re-watching the fight objectively, reviewing the parts he won and the parts he lost and especially why the judges felt that way.


1 He needs to be able to recognize he did better as a lefty. No real adjustment necessary, just fight your usual style.

2 Work on cutting off the ring more effectively

3 Shorten up punches

4 Punch more when one arm is free

5 Crouch more

6 More short uppercuts

7 You cannot land more, so make your fewer punches mean more to the judges

8 Work on more head movement

9 Negotiate back 10oz gloves

10 Negotiate back 20 foot ring

At his age he might have a good chance to win if he could achieve all or most of that. I think he sensed he needed to fill a monumental prescription he might be unable to. Add to that he hated the establishment of boxing and the greater boxing public for not lionizing him more. And of course he could fully expect more tactical delays of the fight date from Leonard.

[joseph5620]

I personally think Hagler was in decline and he knew it which I believe was at least in part a reason why he retired. Leonard made him look old and slow to me. I don't see in any way how he could have done better in the rematch and personally believe he would have done worse. I always thought he wanted the rematch though.

[JAB5239]

I personally think Hagler was in decline and he knew it which I believe was at least in part a reason why he retired. Leonard made him look old and slow to me. I don't see in any way how he could have done better in the rematch and personally believe he would have done worse. I always thought he wanted the rematch though.

Hagler did want a rematch immediately after the fight, but Ray had retired again, only to comeback......again. When Marvin was offered big money to come back and rematch Leonard he passed. I think they both knew the were past their best. Hagler stayed retired and Ray rematched Hearns and Duran again after having finagled the newly created super middleweight title and lightheavyweight title from Donny LaLonde after making him come down to 168.

[Anomalocaris]

If Hearns had not taken his eye I think Ray would have won a clear decision in '82.

Hagler would be in denial and retire.

Leonard was phenomenal even against other phenomenal fighters.

[QueensburyRules]

I thought it was the other way around? Hagler was pushing for a rematch and Leonard retired? Then suddenly came out of retirement after Hagler announced his retirement.

- - That was it in a nutshell, butt of course, OP ain't got the brains Our Creator gave to Ducks, so asks an open ended question designed to punch hot buttons of poorly studied boxing fans.

[Butt stuff]

Hagler did want a rematch immediately after the fight, but Ray had retired again, only to comeback......again. When Marvin was offered big money to come back and rematch Leonard he passed. I think they both knew the were past their best. Hagler stayed retired and Ray rematched Hearns and Duran again after having finagled the newly created super middleweight title and lightheavyweight title from Donny LaLonde after making him come down to 168.

Isn't this what I said?