There are 3 possible opinions, (eliminating the absurd)... Leonard Won, Hagler Won, It was a draw.
Here's why that debate fascinates me... Those who say Haglar are 100% convinced, (my experience, and I know a LOT of boxing fans).... no debate, slam dunk Hagler victory. Those who say Leornard won are also 100% convinced, no debate, slam dunk Leonard won. Then there are those like me.. it was a draw. I think in the USA there are 7 of us in this category.
I have never heard such divergent opinions about ANY sporting contest... never, nothing even close to the Hagler vs Leonard fight. BUT.. I do think there is a somewhat logical answer to that...
Boxing can be viewed two different ways... both equally valid. The number of 'effective' punches landed vs the number of 'big' punches landed. BOTH views are legitimate and BOTH have decided boxing bouts.
If you look up the 'expert' opinions... Wikipedia is ok, not the best, you'll see the consensus is Hagler... but by a very narrow margin... WHICH.. is where I come in and my intrigue... if the bout was that close, by the experts... then why are fans so convinced their guy is OBVIOUSLY BEYOND ANY SHADOW OF A DOUBT convinced they are "RIGHT".. That's interesting to me, and I kind of like that it's like that. - JamesJM