2007-03-21 13:07:04 · 5 answers · asked by soul on ice 1 in Sports ➔ Boxing
Someone once asked Russel Peltz if Hopkins would have beaten Hagler. Peltz just laughed, and said, "Hopkins, beat Hagler? He wouldn't have beaten Briscoe." Whether or not this holds any water, Hopkins could expect to be given a torrid time by Hagler. Due to Hagler's strength and durability, I doubt Hopkins would go to war with him unless he's forced to. Hopkins would try to fight Hagler like he fought Felix Trinidad, by stepping back and countering him utilizing his quicker hands and feet. In the other corner, Hagler could be somewhat challenged by Hopkins height early, but Hagler was a smart fighter, and knew how to adapt to fight any opponent. Knowing Hopkins can be effective fighting outside, I believe Hagler may try and jump on him in the manner he did Thomas Hearns, hoping to turn the bout into a street fight. The key for Hopkins is, can he bring Hagler to him in the same way that Sugar Ray Leonard did, or will Hagler overwhelm him like he did Hearns?
In a fight that would see both fighters having patches of success, I think Hagler's advantage in strength and punching power would probably be the deciding factor, tilting the fight in his favour. I see Hagler setting the tempo early building a lead with Hopkins coming on in rounds six through eleven, but the strain of out boxing and seeking to keep Hagler during the middle rounds may tire him (Hopkins would certainly have to keep his concentration), allowing Hagler to win the last three or four rounds. I would go with Hagler on this one, 10 rounds to 5.
2007-03-22 02:16:15 · answer #1 · answered by Oneirokritis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take Sugar Ray Robinson out of the division, and you have arguably two best middleweights ever in this one. You would have to give a slight advantage in power to Hagler, but the speed of Hopkins would off set it and this one would be a chess match. Hagler would pressure, Hopkins would box and the question of Hopkins having a chin would definitely be put to the test. I think the southpaw stance would give Hopkins more trouble than the pressure, Bernard hadn't seen many in his career, and nothing like the talent of Hagler.
I think Hagler would eventually get to Hopkins with that relentless pressure, and do enough to win, but it would be ugly. Marvin couldn't put Duran away, and most likely wouldn't KO Hopkins either.
Hagler by decision.
2007-03-21 22:51:17 · answer #2 · answered by blogbaba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hagler. Better body attack, more power than Hopkins. Hopkins is a great fighter but Hagler was better. Hagler 8 rounds to 4 for Hopkins. Hagler by decision.
2007-03-22 03:28:59 · answer #3 · answered by gman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a great fight that would be! If Hagler's superior power didn't take the executioner down early, then I think Hopkins would win on points. Both men considered at their prime, of course.
2007-03-21 20:57:24 · answer #4 · answered by kurbet5000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A BORING FIGHT. I TAKE HAGLER IN A LACKLUSTER 15 RD UNANIMOUS DECISION.
2007-03-22 13:20:06 · answer #5 · answered by smitty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋