Former undisputed middleweight world champion ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler has died at the age of 66.
The American dominated the middleweight division from 1979 until his controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987.
“Today, unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire,” his wife Kay Hagler said.
Hagler fought 67 times during his 14-year professional career, winning 62.
He triumphed on 52 occasions by knockout, while he drew two and lost three times.
In September 1980, Hagler fought Britain’s Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium to claim his first world titles, winning the WBA and WBC belts.
His most famous fight came in April 1985 when he fought Thomas ‘Hit Man’ Hearns over three brutal rounds – a classic known as ‘The War’.
Hagler made 12 successful title defences until his defeat by Leonard by a split decision and he retired a year later.
Boxing world pays tribute
Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis tweeted: “The world is one great man less today.
“This one hits so hard also because he was the one I emulated my own training camps after when I saw how seriously he took his training camps.”
He added: “Not only was he a living legend, but I was proud to call him my friend. He was so full of life, energy and positivity in our conversations that you would never guess what a wrecking machine he was in the ring.
“Our wives would speak on the phone to connect us and I’ll miss his voice saying ‘It’s Marvelous’ on the other end of the line.”
I’m simply stunned to hear the news of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Not only was he a living legend, but I was proud to call him my friend. He was so full of life, energy and positivity in our conversations that you would never guess what a wrecking machine he was in the ring.
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) March 14, 2021
Saddened to hear about the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. One of the greatest to ever step in the ring! #RIPMarvelous pic.twitter.com/RNgVym0CdC
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) March 14, 2021
Saddened to hear the news of the passing of Marvellous Marvin Hagler. One of my hero’s and a massive inspiration to me when I was young. I Had the honour of meeting him a few years back in Vegas with my boy. An amazing man and a true Boxing legend.R.I.P Champ🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/4I1twaHAh1
— Joe Calzaghe (@JoeCalzagheCBE) March 14, 2021
Woke up to this sad news! What a man! What a fighter! Rest Easy King and know you left a legacy and was one of the greatest to ever do it! You will never ever be forgotten… #TheMarvellousOne #MarvellousMarvinHagler pic.twitter.com/YYQgTmb9El
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) March 14, 2021
“Boxing lost an all-time great today,” said promoter Frank Warren.
Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” to hear of the “incredible” Hagler’s death.
The Irishman added: “I’m honoured to have spent some amazing times with him. My heartfelt sympathies to his wife Kay and his family. Rest in Peace Champ.”
British heavyweight Derek Chisora said Hagler was “one of the greatest”.
Before the world super flyweight unification fight between Juan Estrada and Roman Gonzalez in Dallas on Saturday night, a “memorial count of 10” was led by ring announcer Michael Buffer, with the bell rung 10 times in Hagler’s memory.
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. pic.twitter.com/RjNSlayBwA
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) March 14, 2021
I am crushed at the news that MARVELOUS MARVIN HAGLER has passed away! He was-in his prime-POUND4POUND-the best, going 11yrs in 38 fights w/o defeat! He dominated the MW division 4 a decade!
62 wins/52KOs-3 lossesR.I.P. 4EVER CHAMPION-4EVER REMEMBERED💔
https://t.co/jWYZ5uEhGl— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) March 13, 2021
