leonard Hagler in 82 or 83

[Hop]

I always love the Leonard took most of 5 years off and diabolically knew he would still be tip top when Hagler got 'old' theory. Real grassy knoll stuff that ignores insane public pressure on Leonard to retire or risk 'blindness.' I suspect Leonard beats him then too and more clearly. Hagler choked, fighting right early the first time. No reason to think he handles the pressure better younger.

Hey, I'm not alone after all!

[Anthony342]

I mentioned that he didn't want to risk his eye, but Leonard only fought Hagler when he knew for sure he could beat him. I don't see why this is such a crazy theory especially since Leonard himself has admitted to this. He also admitted to a quick Duran rematch knowing Roberto would have trouble losing the weight back down to welter.

[Ray Corso]

First off it would have been a great fight!!! I always believed that Leonard was very calculative in waiting on Hagler to gain more & more miles on his legs! Hagler was a stepper and once the legs slow down the steppers get a little easier to deal with if your a mover!
In early times Hagler could track a good mover using his double jabs and his boxing skills but by the time that bout took place Hagler had slowed to the point of not being able to track and punch hard for 12 rounds, it showed in the fight!
Leonard could box with anyone from 140 to 160 and be a difficult opponent but I always thought that Hagler at his best could win a decs. from him.
It could have been simular to Duran vs Leonard 1. Not as fast paced but simular in options foir both guys!
Hagler would need to be the better puncher if not he looses to Leonard ever time.
I know I appreciate Leonards talents more now then when he was a kid and leading up to the Duran fight. I thought the Duran fight is what helped Ray to become a terrific boxer/fighter! Ray would rather box but anyone who thinks he couldn't fight is very mistaken. Ray

[rightsideup]

I mentioned that he didn't want to risk his eye, but Leonard only fought Hagler when he knew for sure he could beat him. I don't see why this is such a crazy theory especially since Leonard himself has admitted to this. He also admitted to a quick Duran rematch knowing Roberto would have trouble losing the weight back down to welter.

I agree with you. As Ray pointed out as well as Marvin lost a step do to his style he was more vulnerable to rays foot and hand speed. I think Marvin would have won in 82 or 83. He was just that much sharper than 87.
Good debate though.

[Dynamite76]

Marvin would have won a UD over 15 over Ray in that time period.Too much for Ray to overcome.And he wouldn't have been able to get in Marvin's head, a big plus.

[Panthershock]

I mentioned that he didn't want to risk his eye, but Leonard only fought Hagler when he knew for sure he could beat him. I don't see why this is such a crazy theory especially since Leonard himself has admitted to this. He also admitted to a quick Duran rematch knowing Roberto would have trouble losing the weight back down to welter.

even though Ray says this, it's hard to believe completely. He had 1 fight in five years prior to facing Hagler. IMO there is no way Ray could have been sure as to what exactly he had in the tank.
My thought is that it's a very close fight where both fighters are physically sharper than in 1987. I'd give Ray the edge because his style had a way of winning out close rounds on the scorecards

[them_apples]

I thought Hagler won in 87