Boxing Hall of Famer Marvin Hagler dies at 66, March 13, 2021. /CFP
Boxing Hall of Famer Marvin Hagler passed away on Saturday at the age of 66, announced his wife Kay G. Hagler on the Facebook page for Hagler's fans.
"I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time," posted Kay.
Hagler started his professional career in 1973 and retired in 1987. Having left a record of 62 wins, two draws and three losses along with 52 knockouts, he was considered one of the greatest middleweight fighters of his era.
Marvin Hagler (R) in action against Alan Minter during the WBA and WBC world middleweight title fight at Wembley Arena in London, England, September 27, 1980. /CFP
In September 1980, Hagler knocked out Alan Minter in three rounds at Wembley Arena in London, becoming the World Middleweight Champion of both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the World Boxing Council (WBC).
In November 1983, Hagler outpointed Roberto Duran at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to claim the International Boxing Federation title.
It took Hagler eight rounds to beat Fulgencio Obelmejias, five rounds to knock out Vito Antuofermo and one round to get William Lee.
He defended his crown 12 times until the defeat against "Sugar" Ray Leonard in his last fight in 1987.
Marvin Hagler (L) in action against Thomas Hearns during the WBA, WBC and IBF World middleweight title fight at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., April 15, 1985. /CFP
However, Hagler's best fight happened on April 15, 1985 at Caesars Palace against Thomas Hearns. The three-round contest was also known as "The War." After eight minutes and two seconds of violence and blood shedding, Hagler defended his WBC, WBA and IBF titles as commentator Al Michaels said the famous line, "It didn't go very far, but it was a beauty!"
In 1993, Hagler was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
"Marvin Hagler came to my fight in Boston. I appreciated what he said to me after my fight. Rest In Peace, my friend. Condolences to the Hagler family. Thank you Marvelous Marvin Hagler for all you gave to boxing," posted Freddie Roach, one of the best boxing trainers of all time.
"Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted. He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly," wrote Bob Arum, founder and CEO of boxing promoting company Top Rank.
"A bright light has been dimmed. One of the most tenacious yet tender men I've had the pleasure to know passed today. Marvelous Marvin Hagler will leave this world having made his mark on the sport of boxing and our hearts. A person of great talent and character," wrote WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman.