i disagree. hagler most likely wins but it is hardly one-sided....maybe 7-5? hagler is not knocking him out. and he would surely lose rounds. hagler's performances just don't support him "pounding" mccallum
I tend to think there's a gap in class between McCallum and the likes of Leonard, Hagler, Hearns. There's a gap in class between Duran and McCallum too, but that matchup is different, as I would favor McCallum on size. It's well known that I think of Mike as being a bit overrated. I can't see it being as close as 7-5. But I suppose 12 rounds is McCallum's best argument. I was more thinking 15 rounds, since both had experience fighting over 15. In a 15 rounder, I see the gap growing, as Marv had better stamina.
I'm in full agreement that Hagler beats McCallum wide. McCallum's major trouble with Kalambay and Graham are damning here, as when Hagler chose to box, he was every bit as good as Kalambay, and a southpaw to boot. Hagler's jab was just as good as Kalambay's, and his movement was better. He was much, much tougher and stronger. He also hit way harder. He'd be able to box McCallum clean like Kalambay did, but also hurt McCallum and keep him honest. Hamsho was a tough guy as well, same with Sibson and Antuofermo. Hagler stopped then with accumulated punishments. Sure, McCallum is way better than three of them, but the point stands, Hagler could crack a good chin. And he could certainly give them an ass-whupping if he didn't. On top of this, he'd view McCallum as an avoided contender, and so would likely treat him like he did all the other avoided contenders he stuck himself in with when he was on the come up, himself. IE: No respect. I 100% standby saying Hagler gives McCallum a beating.
If Duran did his mandatory title defense against McCallum instead of vacating to fight Hearns we would have actually gotten this fight
I'd expect that McCallum would have won have a won a UD over Duran. I'd pick Benitez and Hearns over McCallum, but yes, a case can be made for McCallum beating those two. With Hagler and Leonard, there isn't much case for McCallum winning.
