Could Hearns have beaten Hagler if he didn't try to knock him out?

[Jody Lane]

I've always wondered what would have happened if Tommy had paced himself instead of trying to brawl with Marvin. There's no doubt in my mind that Tommy knocking out Duran had an influence on his approach in this fight. Would Hearns have had a shot at winning?

I think Tommy, with his size and reach, could have won a decision had he fought a stick and move fight. Problem was that was not his style. Seek and destroy was Tommy's game plan and well, we saw what that got him.

[Master]

Hearns went for the knock out and he should have used his boxing more. Manny Steward also said that Hearns legs were weak so he could not try to box, he also injured his right hand so circumstances were him. Hearns did nearly win because the fight was about to be stopped so his aggressive tactic nearly worked.