Quote Originally Posted by Sleepwalker View Post
Particularly the first 3-4 rounds. He was so uncharacteristic and apprehensive, and it ultimately cost him the fight.

I don't think he was surprised by Leonard or was underestimating him either, but the magnitude of the event had gotten to him, and it affected his performance early on.
Great insight on both sides. I gotta agree with your take.
1. There is a book called In the corner. Trainers talk about their art.

Haglar's trainers (Petronelli Brothers) stated Haglar gave away the 1st 4 rounds.
2. There is a documentary I think HBO's Legendary Nights the tale of Haglar-Leonard-where Ray stated he took Marvin out to dinner (after the Mugabi fight) . Marvin told him he was ready to retire, that he felt he could even cut easy at that point of his career.

My take: Hagler took that fight after being somewhat coerced into the idea of how much more money he could make. More than he'd ever made & a chance to beat Ray.

Haglar's heart was into it. Doesn't mean he would've won if it was-rather Ray pushed him into it, once Ray had EVERY SINGLE card stacke on his side.

http://www.amazon.com/In-Corner-Grea.../dp/0688094465