BoxRec

Honestly, these are two fighters hard to figure out. Both definitely had their moments.......but, in my book, not all-time greats......

Agree with above sentiment.

Barkley was a big MW and Mugabi a Jr MW... I do think though that the Mugabi who fought Hagler would beat the best of Barkley.

Mugabi by KO, & early. Mugabi had an extraordinary reach for a JMW, was very big for 154lbs, so fighting at MW was probably not a problem for John.

Don't think Barkley would try to out-box Mugabi & even if he did, I feel Iran would have been drawn into a slugfest, made to fight the type of fight Mugabi preferred.

Mugabi is one the hardest P4P punchers in history in my view. Some of his KO's are brilliant. He truly was a Beast! His showing in the Hagler fight was something to be proud of, although I don't think John was ever the same because of that battle.

Mugabi by KO within 4, probably less.

I also see Mugabi winning this. Ko in in 4 or 5 rounds. Would have been exciting while it lasted.

Barkely loved to stand and trade and never took a backward step.

This would play straight into Mugabi's hands.

Similar to the Earl Hargrove - Mugabi fight.

KO1 Mugabi in in wild slugfest.

Mugabi had a 76" reach, but was only 5'8

The pre-Hagler Mugabi would have a better chance, the post Hagler version would get sparked by the Blade

We had this scenario before. Mugabi by early KO before 1988, after 88 Barkley by mid round stoppage.

I would pick the Pre-Hagler fight Mugabi to KO Barkley early. Barkley's stand-in-front style should be easy pickings for Mugabi. Mugabi hit as hard as any middleweight in history and could take out an iron-chinned opponent with one shot from either hand.

Barkley was as tough as they come..alot of heart and a very good chin..I wouldn't pick many fighters to knock him out in 2 or 3 rounds but I think Mugabi is one of them..