Why did Hagler never move up to 175lb?

[Ham Porter]

Yeah...your an idiot alright...Your right because having a ****** opinion of people who are more than an apple in mom's eye isn't wrong its just ******...get it? ask mom to explain it maybe?

You are = you're, not your.


Get it?

I was a boxing fanatic during the 70's and 80's and I don't recall the light heavies calling him out at all. There were plenty of challenges at 175 to keep them busy.

It's well documented that both Qawi and Spinks did.

[soul_survivor]

You are = you're, not your.


Get it?





It's well documented that both Qawi and Spinks did.

they did? any sources?

[just the facts]

Because that would have meant actually stepping outside of his comfort zone, which was something he wasn't willing to do. He wasn't willing to take any big risks in his career, especially one that likely would have resulted in him taking a likely beating.

truly ignorant post. That comfort zone crap might be legit today but not back then. The real answer is two fold. First, back then you got a ton more credit for being a long time true champion than all this multi weight class beltholder stuff we have today. Second, LHW is 15lbs north of the MW limit. 15 lbs not this 3-8lbs between weight classes. Throw in that Hagler routinely would weigh in at 158 for his fights.

[just the facts]

You are = you're, not your.


Get it?





It's well documented that both Qawi and Spinks did.

I followed boxing then with a passion. NEVER, once did I ever hear or read about Qawi or Spinks calling out Hagler. Well documented? Link?

[soul_survivor]

I followed boxing then with a passion. NEVER, once did I ever hear or read about Qawi or Spinks calling out Hagler. Well documented? Link?

I had to do some research into the matter, I came across certain sources, a simple Google search will show you all you need.

truly ignorant post. That comfort zone crap might be legit today but not back then. The real answer is two fold. First, back then you got a ton more credit for being a long time true champion than all this multi weight class beltholder stuff we have today. Second, LHW is 15lbs north of the MW limit. 15 lbs not this 3-8lbs between weight classes. Throw in that Hagler routinely would weigh in at 158 for his fights.

I wasn't around back then but let's not tell lies, multi-weight champions still meant a hell of a lot, just look at the respect and adjulation SRL, Duran and Hearns garnered in the 80s.

Or Armstrong much, much earlier than that, or the great Robinson...or Charles, Moore....I could literally make a list out of names who garnered great respect for stepping up in weight.

[creekrat77]

Why the Hagler didn't move up? For a few reasons. For one the risk outweighed the gain from beating Qawi or Spinks. Also like now the boxing spotlight was more centered on the welterweight division. With that being said there were more money fights to be had with guys like Hearns, Benitez, Duran, Leonard. It wouldn't make much sense to move up farther in weight from these guys. For instance Martinez is small like Hagler and also like Hagler he knew there would be money fights to come from the crop of superstars below him. I think the real reason though was that Hagler was simply an old fashioned guy and was the solid middleweight champion and was comfortable staying and defending just that. Marvin Hagler was the middleweight king nothing more nothing less

[creekrat77]

I had to do some research into the matter, I came across certain sources, a simple Google search will show you all you need.



I wasn't around back then but let's not tell lies, multi-weight champions still meant a hell of a lot, just look at the respect and adjulation SRL, Duran and Hearns garnered in the 80s.

Or Armstrong much, much earlier than that, or the great Robinson...or Charles, Moore....I could literally make a list out of names who garnered great respect for stepping up in weight.

You're right in a way. Maybe Hagler would change a few career moves if he could go back in time. Back then fighters weren't always thinking about the future and their legacy. Promotional companies now would say Hagler made a mistake by not moving up in weight. Basically Hagler would be more respected if he moved up and was successful but I think he was satisfied with remaining as middleweight champion. Maybe all he wanted was to just be the best middleweight.

[soul_survivor]

You're right in a way. Maybe Hagler would change a few career moves if he could go back in time. Back then fighters weren't always thinking about the future and their legacy. Promotional companies now would say Hagler made a mistake by not moving up in weight. Basically Hagler would be more respected if he moved up and was successful but I think he was satisfied with remaining as middleweight champion. Maybe all he wanted was to just be the best middleweight.

could be...hagler was damn proud of his mw reign but he always *****ed about not being as big as leonard, not being recognised as the best...maybe fighting at 175, in very risky fights may have changed that

[Ray Corso]

The weigh in time frame that's allowed today enables a fighter to adjust to different weight classes in a matter of a few years these days!
A young man can make 147 today and be able to rehydrate up to 20 pounds in the 40 hours between the scale and the bell. If this same fellow had to weigh in the morning of the fight it would be very difficult on him to go the distance (12 rds) at a high work rate.
Take a look at the fellows who jump around to different weights, their all 5'6' to 5'8" and can weigh in between 140 47 54....and even 160lbs.
Men like Manny are far and few in between, to start at 106 and be competitive up to 150 is amazing.
A young Floyd at 126 can mature to 140-47 as an adult and that's not uncommon.

Haglers body type allowed him to make weight and be strong with plenty of stamina and while Leonard and Hearns (both bigger than Hagler in height) moved up they did so because 147 was not attainable any more!
Hagler was fighting pro 3 years before Leonard went to the Olympics!!!
Leonard and Hearns were no where near their maturation points as pros when Hagler was the Champ. Champions are not dictated to especially active fighters like Hagler was.
He fought big fights in big arena's he also booked dates in smaller venues to promote the sport, he foght 10 rd. non title contests so his fans who couldn't afford to fly out to Vegas and drop that nut were able to see their favorite in person and meet and greet him. Marvin was a personal man who talked with his fans and encouraged kids to do the right things!

Hagler and the Petronelli's Bros did a lot on their own and a new to the business Bob Arum helped but he didn't have the clout he carries now back then. They made it on their own and they called their shots.
Everyone knew that Leonard would wait and hope for Hagler to move backwards with a few tuff fights. I don't blame Leonard because he couldn't beat a prime Hagler, you saw Leonard in with a prime Duran and Duran & Hagler have that determination and will in common along with good power and combination punching to the head & body! Leonard was smart, nothing wrong with that but he isn't rated above Hagler at 160. Leonard didn't fight the Brisco's and Monroe's and Antuofermo's he fought Benitez who couldn't break an egg and barely got by Hearns who was out boxing him for 10 rds.
Leonard & Hearns were terrific but neither of them dominate a division the way Hagler did. The way to do that is to know where you belong. Ray.

[soul_survivor]

Not a bad post Ray...although fighters do not have 40 hours to rehydrate these days.

I dunno about Hagler fighting non title bouts just for his fans lol you must be naive to believe it was anything other than to keep busy and make some extra cash.

BTW what does Hagler's fan connection have to do with my question?