Legendary Boxer "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler, dead at 66 - RIP to the baddest Middleweight to ever do it

[Magic Sun Daddy]

World champion boxer Marvelous Marvin Hagler dies at 66

The former undisputed middleweight champion of the world began his boxing career in Brockton, Massachusetts.

www.wcvb.com

World champion boxer Marvelous Marvin Hagler dies at 66

BROCKTON, Mass. —
A world champion boxer with strong ties to Massachusetts has died at the age of 66.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler died unexpectedly at his New Hampshire home on Saturday, according to a statement from his wife, Kay, in a post made to Hagler's official Facebook fan club page.

Hagler, who began his boxing career in Brockton, reigned as the undisputed middleweight champion of the world from 1980 to 1987.

“The city of Brockton and the boxing world has suffered a devastating loss today with the passing of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, former Undisputed Middleweight Champion of the world," reads a statement from Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan. "Marvelous Marvin will always be a champion from our 'City of Champions' and he inspired civic pride in generations of Brocktonians. He will be remembered as the dominant Middleweight fighter of his era. His championship boxing matches captivated Brockton and the world and became instant classics.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hagler family. Rest in peace, Champ!”

Hagler successfully defended the championship belt twelve times, including a superfight against Thomas Hearns that is considered one of the greatest boxing matches in history.

AP Photo
Marvin Hagler, right, and Thomas Hearns in action during the first round of the World Middleweight Championship boxing in Las Vegas, April 15, 1985.

He lost the middleweight title to Sugar Ray Leonard via split decision in another fight that was considered an all-time classic. It would be Hagler's last professional fight, as he retired in June 1988 at the age of 33.

Hagler finished his professional career with 62 wins, with 52 by knockout. He lost three fights, all by decision, and had two draws.
He is an inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Michael Sohn
Boxing legend Marvin Hagler and his wife Kay Guarrera arrive for the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020. (AP Photo

 

[Hesa]

Top 5 greatest of all time. I'm just about old enough to remember the riot that kicked off in London after he beat Alan Minter.

 

[albert chan]

I always thought that Suger Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler were always overshadowed by the likes of Lennox Lewis and Roy Jones, Jr. growing up. This boxer was the definition of being “under appreciated” for sure.

 

[Magic Sun Daddy]

I always thought that Suger Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler were always overshadowed by the likes of Lennox Lewis and Roy Jones, Jr. growing up. This boxer was the definition of being “under appreciated” for sure.

You think he'd be better remembered by people given how much trouble the other three Kings had while fighting him.

 

[Goyaanisqatsi]

One of the best to ever do it. My dad still shows a little bitterness about the loss to Sugar Ray Leonard to this day.

 

[Hesa]

One of the best to ever do it. My dad still shows a little bitterness about the loss to Sugar Ray Leonard to this day.

I've watched that fight so many times and almost everytime my mind changes.

This though... More action in the first 3 minutes than many fights that last the distance.

https://youtu.be/yqtiewLWEn4?t=353

 

[Bass]

Aww this sucks. Marvelous Marvin was one of my fav's.

 

[Fiveish]

IMO the most slept-on of the Four Kings. He really was a genetically bred warrior (75'' reach at 5'9), with a ton of natural talent, understanding of the sport, and practice. Shame to lose him, he was a smart man who retired at a savvy time, so no new challenger could get lucky and hand him a defeat.

 

[Magic Sun Daddy]

IMO the most slept-on of the Four Kings. He really was a genetically bred warrior (75'' reach at 5'9), with a ton of natural talent, understanding of the sport, and practice. Shame to lose him, he was a smart man who retired at a savvy time, so no new challenger could get lucky and hand him a defeat.

What kind of beast do you have to be to have never been knocked down once in your professional career, while also having fights against Duran, Leonard, and Hearns on your record?

 

[Canaan]

hagler vs hearns round 1 was the greatest bout in boxing par none

 

[BSC]

I know I'm late to the party here, but this clip is slightly higher quality than the one posted upthread.

Absolutely fucking savage. Quite possibly the greatest round of boxing to ever be fought. RIP King, you've earned it.

 

[GarthVader]

Sorry I am late to this, RIP Marvin, you were one of the greats.