Hagler's one of my five favorite fighters of all time. But the Petronelli brothers (his trainers) had DEEP street connections. From Boston all the way to 116th Street in East Harlem. And you know I never exaggerate when it comes to the Old East Harlem.
Pizza,
the Hagler /Leonard fiasco....is what was the beginning of the end for the semi-boxing fan. The shady decisions, tomfoolery, and nonsense , though part of boxing's history....just became too much beginning with that night.
Sugar Ray was the articulate, photogenic boxer that brought in the mainstream audiences so he gets the decision...by dancing around.
I like Sugar Ray but never have I wanted somebody's head knocked off their shoulders more than in that fight.
