The argument of those who are dazzled by the speed, power and reflexes of Jones relies on things other than what makes real greatness - things like skill, quality of competition, and how a fighter reacts to real adversity. Hagler cannot match the handspeed of Jones, but in these categories - which I argue are more important in boxing - he trounces Jones. And that would make all the difference in the world in my book.

Most fans and analysts overstate the skill of guys like Muhammad Ali and Jones. I cannot count how many times I have heard the glorification of Jones' skill when it is actually talent that they are watching. For example, pulling back from a punch is technically unsound and is risky because if I see that you like to rely on reflexes and lean away from a shot, I can feint a shot and as you pull back, I am stepping in with an overhand (exactly what Hagler would do to Jones). Talent is flashy and skill is easy to overlook, but one is better than the other.

Talent is not skill. You can get away with plenty when you fight ordinary opponents or good fighters who may be more technically sound, but are too slow or deliberate to deliver or simply too weary.

AND ANYWAY, if anybody has the tools to deal with Jones on the outside (and not just slipping and feinting just out of range like Eubank would do or moonwalking like Nunn would), it's Hagler - he maximized his speed with a deceptive reach and superb timing, he was also great at setting up counters with good evasions and footwork, and was also the master of tricking opponents into setting themselves up. But he could also use 'Destruct and Destroy' mission - hunting Jones down, cutting him off, cornering him, and getting in his face, fully prepared to walk straight through a single lead right hand. And there'd be nowhere to go for Jones, and he wouldn't know what to do.