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bob_bask · 05-24-2010, 01:08 AM

Hagler: Audley can be world champ

Hagler was a boxer from the old school, a gentleman out the ring who you'd find nastier than a wounded wasp if you crossed his path inside the ropes. Now a healthy-looking 47, and with no more hair on his head than during his early '80s peak, Hagler is happily retired in Italy.

"There's not much I would change," he says. "I had a beautiful career."

Three fights define Hagler the champion in the eyes of most critics - 27 September 1980, when he took the world belt from Britain's Alan Minter; 15 April 1985, when he destroyed Thomas 'The Hitman' Hearns in three rounds; and 6 April 1987, when he controversially lost his crown to Sugar Ray Leonard on a split decision and promptly retired.

Hagler remains a keen fan of the old art, and when asked his opinion on British hopeful Audley Harrison, he commented.

"I'm very impressed. The size of this guy means if you step in with him you're scared straight away. Harrison has got a great amateur background - and now can you imagine his professional career. If he's protected and they guide him in the right way, without pushing him too fast, there's no doubt about it - this guy can be heavyweight champion of the world."

05-24-2010, 01:08 AM	#26
bob_bask Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3,387	Hagler: Audley can be world champ Hagler was a boxer from the old school, a gentleman out the ring who you'd find nastier than a wounded wasp if you crossed his path inside the ropes. Now a healthy-looking 47, and with no more hair on his head than during his early '80s peak, Hagler is happily retired in Italy. "There's not much I would change," he says. "I had a beautiful career." Three fights define Hagler the champion in the eyes of most critics - 27 September 1980, when he took the world belt from Britain's Alan Minter; 15 April 1985, when he destroyed Thomas 'The Hitman' Hearns in three rounds; and 6 April 1987, when he controversially lost his crown to Sugar Ray Leonard on a split decision and promptly retired. Hagler remains a keen fan of the old art, and when asked his opinion on British hopeful Audley Harrison, he commented. "I'm very impressed. The size of this guy means if you step in with him you're scared straight away. Harrison has got a great amateur background - and now can you imagine his professional career. If he's protected and they guide him in the right way, without pushing him too fast, there's no doubt about it - this guy can be heavyweight champion of the world."