Hagler was the one, undisputed king at middleweights and he was fighting to keep not only the title but more importantly that distinction. On the other hand, Hearns after being frustrated in his first bid at undisputed championship and the bragging rights at welterweights (losing to rival Sugar Ray Leonard) and having somewhat recovered a measure of pride by ruling the 154 lbs.( over the likes of Wilfred Benitez and Roberto Duran) would want complete redemption by beating Hagler.
I won't be surprise if both Kovalev and Stevenson will fight cautiously with their bout ending the distance and decided by the judges.
It's going to be a great match up for sure and props to both guys for taking the fight if it is set up, as they both probably know that it won't go the distance and it could be a career breaking match up. I used to favour Kovalev in this match up but the more I think about it the more it becomes a 50/50 fight as I don't think there is any sparring or fight that could prepare you for a powerful light heavy weight south paw like Stevenson.
Hagler-Hearns was 2 top p4p guys going at it, it won't have the same hype but this fight will be an absolute slug fest can't wait.
You're right; the fight does have potential to being explosive. Still; i think it would me more competitive than Hagler-Hearns due to the fact that Hagler was a natural middleweight while Hearns very first fight in middleweight was with Hagler [after having success in lightmiddleweight].
Also; i believe Stevenson doesn't want the fight happening.
I saw one of his last fights where he was asked over a potential fight with Kovalev, he shrugged it off saying he would prefer fighting someone like BHops [an old champion who let's face it; is being protected].
Stevenson was kayod once, we know his chin has its weakness. Kovalev is explosive and can capitalize on this
Yes it has the potential, but we all saw Stevenson get blasted by Boone their first fight. The reason I say it has a chance, is because since then he's been on a terror, and has the explosiveness, and power to KO anyone at Light Heavyweight.
BQ- Kovalev by KO RD 10. Kovalev will outbox Stevenson, and eventually land the KO.
I thought about this at work today. Just think about it... Kovalev is a boxer-puncher with a good chin, great power, and is known to pressure, a lot like the Hagler that fought Hearns. And Stevenson has the classic Kronk boxing style, the same style as Hearns, thanks to Emmanuel Steward. Just thinking about this potential bout makes me want this fight to happen even more! I know they're no where near there level, but under the right circumstances and right settings, do think this could produce a simular result or something relatively close to the hagler vs hearns fight?
BQ: If they fought who do you think would win?
