There's very few middleweights I'd pick over a peak Hagler, and Toney was pretty inconsistent at 160 also. Hagler by UD, I think his brilliant jab would be key.
^^^ I'd like to agree, but a controversial split decision either way wouldn't shock me, considering Toney's penchant for eking out questionable decisions in the early 90's.
Toney is one of my all time favorite fighters, but he aint beating Hagler. Not a prime version. I could see him edging out the Hagler of 87, but not the Hagler of the early-to-mid 80's.
How could James Toney beat Marvin Hagler? James Toney @ 160 was hardly a great fighter. He was good, but nothing more, even @ his best.
Besides Hearns, who ran out of steam..former Welterweight, already stopped by leonard and went on to lose TWICE to Iran Barkley.....who did Hagler beat at 160 that was on Toney's level? At least Toney beat Nunn and the aforementioned Barkley. The pendulum swings both ways.
Barkley? The almost legally blind Barkley, that had to sweat off a zillion pounds to make the ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT limit? Give me a break. I think Alan Minter would have beaten Toney @ 160. Shit, lesser fighters than him did. Twice.
I think this fight has more to do with styles. I just feel like Toney doesnt have the tools to have beaten Marvin. IMO the guys who could have beaten a prime Hagler either have exreme speed, and athletic talent(like a RJ, or Robinson) or great range, and counterpunching ability(Monzon, Hopkins). Toney has the counterpunching skills, but not the range. He and Hagler are/were roughly around the same height, and Marvin had more reach. I see Marvin's southpaw jab, and workrate ultimately outdoing James, although Toney would certainly have his moments.
:: Who gives a shit what weight Barkley fought those guys @? He fought TONEY @ 168 and way after his 'prime', whatever that was. And Toney lost twice @ 160, Ike. I don't care what you or the official scorecards say.
Given the fact that Barkley was blitzed in one by Benn (fouls or not) and lost to a Duran who was about 11 years and four divisions past his peak, I don't see how bringing this up helps the argument that Toney gives Hagler hell.
