During monzon's middleweight reign? Where was Hagler

[Sugar Adam Ali]

This was alittle before my time but during monzon's historic middleweight run, where was marvin hagler at in his career... Was he ever a contender, or was he still unknown, did losing to Monroe, etc ruin title shots for him.. Just wondering since hagler is always talked about as dominating the mw division for many years before the title shot vs antafumro, etc, was there ever a legit chance to see Monzon vs hagler

[IronDanHamza]

No.

He was never a possible opponent, never a contender during Monzon's reign.

[Humean]

Hagler became a top contender in 77, which was the final year of Monzon's career. Even if Hagler hadn't lost to Watts and Monroe he'd have been unlikely to get Monzon. Monzon only fought once a year in his final two years and they were both against Valdez.

[Ray Corso]

Hagler was winning continental titles in 77' and all though he was defeating Seales and Monroe and Briscoe he was still a few fights away from dealing with Monzon.
Hagler needed to build up that stamina he showed in his prime and gain some more pop in his shots for Monzon. Monzon was a big middleweight in height, weight and depth. He had good power and was a calculated fighter also.
Two different ten year, it was a blessing to have back to back middleweight champions their caliber!
Hagler had some vicious bouts to get that title too! Antuofermo, Hamsho, Roldan, Mugambi. Sorry I think he kept his title with Leonard, Leonard stole another one!

Ray

[Scott9945]

This is similar to the questions of why Marciano never fought Liston. Hagler was more advanced than Sonny, but he was unknown outside of the Northeast US and there was no demand for this fight.

[rightsideup]

Hagler became a top contender in 77, which was the final year of Monzon's career. Even if Hagler hadn't lost to Watts and Monroe he'd have been unlikely to get Monzon. Monzon only fought once a year in his final two years and they were both against Valdez.

Was Valdez a very good fighter?

[Scott9945]

Was Valdez a very good fighter?

Yes, Rodrigo Valdez was a very good fighter. Just a level below an ATG like Monzon.

[Humean]

Was Valdez a very good fighter?

Yes, Rodrigo Valdez was a very good fighter. Just a level below an ATG like Monzon.

Valdez was a hell of a puncher.

1min 30sec

Only time Briscoe was stopped in 96 fight career

[TBear]

Scott mentioned Liston. Good name to bring up because both Liston and Hagler were ready long before they received their shot and both had to wait too long for the opportunity. It got to the point with Hagler that the Ring labeled him uncrowned champion. While Hagler was the #1 contender and waiting he didn't just sit and wait, he beat five top ten contenders while waiting. However in regards the threads opening question, Hagler's wait for a title shot started after Monzon's reign. While Hagler was establishing himself as a contender Monzons reign was nearly over.

[IronDanHamza]

Valdez was a hell of a puncher.

1min 30sec

Only time Briscoe was stopped in 96 fight career

The only guy to drop Monzon, off the top of my head.

Brisco hurt him badly but never dropped him.

Valdez dropped him with a single shot.