Many will probably disagree, but I'd take Roy to outbox Hagler clearly. Hagler never faced anything like Jones, not even in his prime. The closest he ever came was a past-prime, half blind Leonard and we saw how well he did against Ray's speed. And yes, I know the opposite is also true. Roy never faced anyone like Hagler either. But I think the styles in this fight favor Roy moreso than Hagler. Marvin would certainly have his moments, but overall I think the young Roy, say of the Toney fight, would be too damn fast and elusive for Marvin and would win an 8-4 or 9-3 UD.
Roy definitely has the skill and speed but I don't know if he had the will to beat Hagler. The Roy that fought Toney was at 168 and a bit more experienced than the 160 lb version. I don't know if the Roy that fought Bernard Hopkins was battle tested enough to beat Hagler, especially a prime Hagler. Hagler's underrated jab would be a major weapon against Roy and I think it disrupts Roy's rhythm and timing enough for Marvin to get inside and work. It would be a good fight but I think Marvin tracks him down, wins the championship rounds and the fight.
The Roy of the Toney fight was 168 lb. Roy - I'd pick that version of Roy over Hagler and probably 99% of the boxing world in a P4P scenario. At 160? I agree with Fortunato, Hagler was too good, and Roy not quite at his peak yet. I'll take it one step further and say that Hagler stops him late in a fight Roy was otherwise winning.
Very well said, I agree. A prime RJ was just too gifted. His speed and reflexes will win him a clear UD. Also a prime RJ @160 had very good power of his own.:2:
The Roy that beat Thomas Tate was just about the same version of as the one that beat Toney. Roy KO'd Tate at 160. That version of Jones would beat Hagler. Now if we're talking about the green Jones that fought Hopkins, then yes, I'll agree that Hagler would have beaten that RJ.
Perhaps. I was thinking the same thing after I posted. My only problem, though, is that Roy's never fought with that level of aggression against any elite - or even divisional best - fighter. The Tate fight was personal to him, plus Roy saw a cat that could be got (even despite Tate having taken Julian Jackson the distance a year or two prior). Perhaps you can factor in that Hagler beating Roy's pops would give this fight the necessary personal twist - but given their relationship, I wouldn't be shocked if Roy were happy to have seen his old man get his ass whipped
I think it's safe to say that the best version of RJ beats the best version of Hagler. RJ simply had too many gifts.
Even though Roy scored two knockdowns in the first round, Hawk still had it even at 10-10. I still haven't heard an explanation for that one.
I think his feeling was that Hall's total domination while standing on his feet warranted no less than an even round in spite of Jones's two very lucky and questionable knockdown scores
That's almost as dumb as trying to claim Roy was really nearly washed up at the time he fought Ruiz. Almost.
Even though they had Roy at the highest P4P ranking of his career and were claiming he was going to whup Tarver easily in their rematch, most Roy supporters still try to act like that loss mysteriously "doesn't count". I still haven't heard an explanation for that one.
Roy was a little green and inexperienced @ 160. He would be bigger @ 160 than someone like Hagler, and he had his incredible speed and unpredictable style. But he didn't have his experience against lefties until later. He'd still give Hagler problems, Marvin might have to go back to the attacking style he did against Hearns instead of his usual patient, boxer-puncher style. I'm riding the fence on this one, but I'd like to hear more opinions.
Hex go watch some Hagler fights and i think you will not be so quick to say that. Hagler was a pure Beast/Animal in the ring!
I haven't read the responses so far, but Hagler is hella overrated if ANYONE thinks he'd have a prayer against Jones at 160.
Jones wins a few early rounds, Hagler starts finding his range from the 6th or so onward and Jones goes into survival mode, occasionally doing something eye catching but basically just settling for the decision loss. Hagler UD 15.
So let me get this right: A 5'9" Hagler, who was not a devastating puncher and whose best wins at 160 were against blown up Lightweights, Welterweights and Jnr Middleweights..is going to force into "survival mode" a 5'11" Roy Jones, with lightening fast hands, one punch KO power (at 160) and who stopped Lightheavyweights and comprehensively beat a Heavyweight titlist who had victories over the likes of Holyfield, Rahman and Oquendo? Ridiculous.
I don't think Hagler can put Roy into "survival mode" but Marvelous was a non-stop pressure fighter with an iron jaw. Roy always liked to fight at a measured pace, something Hagler wouldn't give him the luxury of doing.