Bread’s response: I believe that Hagler often gets put in the wrong category as a fighter. Because of the Hearns performance he’s looked at as a relentless attacker. And while I believe that’s one of the greatest strategies ever implemented for a big fight, that wasn’t the usual Hagler. Hagler is more of an all-round hybrid fighter/boxer/technician. He boxes his way to knockouts. He’s defensibly responsible. He’s always in position to take a punch. He’s impromptu with his approach while remaining fundamentally sound. Meaning he has no issue leaping in with a gazelle shot. Then going back to his fundamentals. Hagler has a case for the best chin ever. Best rematch fighter ever. And one of the best finishers ever. We always watch Hagler’s fights against Leonard, Hearns, Duran and Mugabi. But look deeper. Watch him against Cyclone Hart, Bennie Briscoe, Willie Monroe, Boogaloo Watts, Alan Minter, Mustafa Hamso, Tony Sibson, Caveman Lee and Fulgencio Obelmejias. Those fights will show you Hagler’s layers. You will see how elite he boxed. How he has arguably the best southpaw jab ever. How nimble he was on his feet. He wasn’t fancy but he was very effective. Hagler was a great fighter and he could do almost anything in the ring he wanted. I actually think his all-round ability cost him on his biggest night against Ray Leonard. Sometimes it can be flaw to be so well-rounded because the fighter gets decision anxiety as far as choosing what style to apply. Hagler decided to try to outbox Leonard instead of outfighting him and it cost him. Nevertheless Hagler was special.
