Would he have beaten GGG easier than he beat past prime former lightweight Duran, a guy that was smaller, shorter, less reach and less power than GGG? If so why would it have been easier?
Of course it is plausible to pick a proven legend over an unproven guy. However, it is difficult to pick with certainty against a guy who has never even really struggled, let alone being close of losing Also, isn't Golovkin like 10-15 lbs bigger in the ring than Hagler? Would that count for something? Hagler would likely be able to take GGG's punch, but because of the weight difference I think it works other way too
Also, Hagler wasn't a huge puncher, let's not forget. He wore guys down with attrition. He had heavy hands but he wasn't thunderous like a Hearns or a Benn. I have no doubt GGG could take his punch. As you said GGG has never really struggled and until he does we can't assume anyone destroys him. GGG is not a face first slugger either; dude has a good jab and is accurate in his attack. Hagler would have his hands full at the very least. I say Hagler by Split decision.
Hagler could out jab him and he had quicker hands, shorter punches and threw better combos. They're the same size as well. Fighters cut weight before day before weigh ins, that's why they changed it... Hagler would win most exchanges and score more points. The question is how often can GGG hurt Hagler and how does GGG respond to real sustained adversity.
Agreed. We just don't know. With that said I personally don't get a vibe GGG is a front runner. (not that if he proved sustaining such adversity would mean he can handle the Marvelous one)
I don't think he's a front runner in the mental sense but we don't know how he'll make adjustments while getting hit. It's one thing to say "meh, how should I knock this guy out?" or "he's kind of tricky, I think I'll just walk him down and knock him out." But to make effective adjustments under duress and distress is something you can't assume.
Was only an intuition, and maybe it was because I really didnt want Lemieux to win, but GGG body language in that fight was a bit worrying imo.
Yeah, I dunno what can possibly be pulled from the Lemoo fight. GGG won that fight effortlessly. We need to see him in real adversity to know if he's a front runner or not. He MIGHT face adversity against CanYellow.... or he might just beat the fuck outta the Ginger.
