This was done long time ago and almost everybody picked Hagler by an early KO. I'd like to hear how you guys would see this going now. Personally I pick Joe to out-hustle a close decision, with his advantage in size being a major factor
Joe by close but clear decision, Hagler might drop him early but Joe will end up outworking him throwin those silly pitter patter punches, and then gettin the hell out... Too fast too strong... And I absolutely love Hagler...
Too bad Hagler was not usually a quick starter and not a particularly big puncher (although a solid one). People still have wrong picture of him
I agree with this if we are talking about the Hagler who was at the tail-end of his career. A little bit too small and slow on his feet for Joe. I think a prime Hagler would be able to match work rate with Calzaghe and land the more effective blows.
Average punchers have knocked Joe down in the first round. You can't deny that Hagler was a good finisher. That's all it would take to keep slappy down.:stir:
It's of course a question mark at how Hagler, who mostly fought during different weigh-in rules @ 160, would do at 168 against a bigger guy, but I think he'll do alright. One of the problems with moving up in weight is when you rely a lot on strength and power, but those were just part of Hagler's game. He was first and foremost a boxer at range, and despite being shorter, was actually rangier as he had very long arms. When they do fight up close, the Hagler had refined in-fighting skills, but Calzaghe should be able to hold his own with his size and own tricks. Whether in a clinch or holding, Calzaghe would throw quick left hands on the inside with his other arm tied up. He could throw sneaky little uppercuts too. At range, Calzaghe was quicker, but Hagler had the superior jab, and wasn't slow himself. I think his consistent accurate punching would enable him to win a decision over Calzaghe's quick hands and workrate.
Joe by clear UD. Hagler lost to Sugar Gay Leotard who was shot and smaller. I think Joe handles Hagler. Hagler is so vastly overrated it makes me sick. Most people who speak of Hagler have obviously never seen him fight. For one thing, he was not an all action fighter at all.
I agree with that. Hagler (and duran for that matter) were not exciting fighters, rather busy workhorses who managed to win by attrition. Not naturally exciting fighters.
I liked watching Duran in spots, for some of the great things he did in there. A number of his fights had too much clinching for me. Hagler was generally an efficient boxer with good movement and a steady jab and workrate, I wouldn't call him dull or especially fan-friendly. But the Hearns and Mugabi fights were exciting. As he got older and slower he was easier to hit and was ultra-agressive against Hearns, making the fights more action-packed.
Hagler is way too good to be without hope, but I'd pick Calz with confidence. Much like Chavez/Whitaker, this is too all-time greats with one having a distinct style advantage over the other even if it is still very arguable who is better overall.
Totally agree. I would call Duran boring actually most of the time. He was a talented version of Ricky Hatton. Then there are guys like JCC Superstar who had so many dickhead fans people forget what a destroyer the dude was.
I don't think any comparison which includes Calzaghe in the same sentence as Hagler, Chavez & Whitaker quite holds up personally.
I think Calzaghe definitely is fit to their company even though in all-time rankings he probably finishes last. There is not that much between his and Hagler's achievment
WHAT!?!?!?!!! You mean watching Calzaghe beat one still very good OLD FIGHTER....and one badly faded/shell of himself old fighter...doesn't impress you?? :crafty:
:boohooicking Hagler is completely plausible but making it sound like Joe has no business to even be in the same ring with the much smaller guy (which you seem to do) is silly. Again, if you compare their resumes, Hagler is not THAT much ahead. By the same standards you could argue that his best wins were over smaller guys and the last small guy he lost to
Wow, lets not overrate Hagler here people, Hagler no matter who he fought did have problem with pressure and speed... Joe has the strength and speed advantage here, a lot of you underrate Joe, its pretty bad.
