BoxRec

Has anybody here seen Haglers first fights with Willie 'The Worm' Monroe and Bobby 'Boogalou' Watts?

I remember hearing that Hagler claimed "we wuz robbed!!" against Watts, which was his first pro defeat. Two months later Hagler returned to the City of Brotherly Love and lost another decision to Monroe which I've read was less controversial. I think I read somewhere once that stated that Willie Monroe was the only man to really ever beat Hagler.

Of course Hagler got a brutal revenge in the rematches, quality fighters always learn by thier mistakes.

But does anyone have any info on Haglers two early defeats?

terap wrote:I saw the first Willie Monroe-Hagler fight.

Monroe beat Hagler thoroughly.

Monroe had a championship level left hand--left jab--left hook.

His career fell apart once his manager-trainer Yank Durham died.

Same thing happened to Jimmy Young and Caveman Lee (who was a just a prospect at the time) when their Philly trainer Bob Brown died.

Thanks for the feedback, the Philly talent pool was indeed very deep in those days.

I guess you'd have to have seen the first two fights live, as I've never seen video of either, only the rematches.

Like terap says, Monroe was world class and I think Hagler admitted he got taught a leson that night. Always said his loss to Boogaloo Watts was a hometown decision.

There's a brilliant article about those Philly middleweight wars, interviews with all of the fighters, except Briscoe, who never talks to the press.
Cyclone Hart was my favorite, he's there too.

I'll try to find it if you want, I think terrible terry gave me the link.

MightyWarrior wrote:There's a brilliant article about those Philly middleweight wars, interviews with all of the fighters, except Briscoe, who never talks to the press.

Cyclone Hart was my favorite, he's there too.

I'll try to find it if you want, I think terrible terry gave me the link.

If you can find it that would be great. 8)

KOJOE90 wrote:

MightyWarrior wrote:There's a brilliant article about those Philly middleweight wars, interviews with all of the fighters, except Briscoe, who never talks to the press.

Cyclone Hart was my favorite, he's there too.

I'll try to find it if you want, I think terrible terry gave me the link.

If you can find it that would be great. 8)

Here you go KOJOE, great article!

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/archi ... ArtID=1819

Hagler-Watts I is available on tape. Hagler claims he was robbed in that one.

His loss to Monroe was controversial too, but like someone already pointed out, Hagler has admitted he was beaten.

MightyWarrior wrote:

KOJOE90 wrote:

MightyWarrior wrote:There's a brilliant article about those Philly middleweight wars, interviews with all of the fighters, except Briscoe, who never talks to the press.

Cyclone Hart was my favorite, he's there too.

I'll try to find it if you want, I think terrible terry gave me the link.

If you can find it that would be great. 8)

Here you go KOJOE, great article!

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/archi ... ArtID=1819

Cheers MightyWarrior, it's a great read many thanks. I enjoyed reading it.

He sure made up for them in style.