You are SO right about Leonard/Hagler. Hagler lost that fight in negotiations. Leonard, who was coming out of retirement to fight one of the greatest midldleweights EVER, knew he didn't stand a chance straight up. So he negotiated away all of Marvin's advantages. Ray knew he couldn't withstand the shots with 8 ounce gloves, so he negotiated for 10 ounce pillows. He knew he couldn't go 15 rounds, so he negotiated it down to 12. He didn't want Marvin to corner him in a smaller ring, so he negotiated for a larger one that would allow him to dance away from trouble. Marvin said yes, yes, yes, because he badly wanted the fight, and didn't think any of those things would prevent him from beating Ray. Ray fought masterfully...for the last 30 seconds of each round, selling most of the judges. I watched the fight on closed circuit in a movie theater in Astoria, Queens. At the end of the fight, I had a strong feeling it would go to Leonard, though I know he didn't BEAT Hagler.
"The best kind of pride is that which compels a man to do his best when no one is watching."