Arguably the best fighter of all time ...and my friend
THERE are greats and then there is ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler, and boxing has lost a true legend with the death of the former undisputed world middleweight champion.
Hagler’s wife Kay left the sport in mourning when she announced he had died suddenly at home on Saturday aged 66.
“Today, unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire,” she said.
Hagler, with his shaven head, Adonis-like body and unflashy style was old school. He disliked the business of boxing, his sole objective was to destroy his opponent.
He was named Fighter of the Decade in the 1980s and dominated in an era of giants.
He was dubbed one of ‘The Four Kings’ with rivals Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns and the nine fights between them remain the stuff of legend. Hagler beat Duran, stopped Hearns in a classic before losing his world crown to Leonard in one of boxing’s mostcontroversial decisions.
Born in Newark, New Jersey in May, 1954, Hagler’s family moved to Brockton, Massachusetts, where he made his pro debut five days before his 19th birthday in May 1973 in the local high school gym. He became the undisputed world middleweight champ on a shameful night for British boxing in September 1980 when he destroyed Alan Minter in three rounds at Wembley Arena and had to be escorted from the ring by police when fans rioted.
The southpaw made 12 successful defences, including against another Brit, Tony Sibson. But it was a close decision against Duran in November 1983, and his clash with Hearns in April 1985, which is remembered as ‘The War’, that made him a legend.
The first round against Hearns is regarded by many as the best three minutes of boxing ever as these two titans tried to knock each other out.
Hagler had blood gushing from two cuts and referee Richard Steele stopped the action to ask if he could still see. Hagler replied, “I’m hitting him, aren’t I?” and flattened Hearns in the third to win by a stoppage.
His reign ended controversially in April 1987 when he lost a split decision to Leonard. Hagler quit boxing because he was so disgusted, with a record of 62-3-2, including 52 knock-outs, and enhanced his legacy by refusing huge offers to return.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993 and Lennox Lewis led the tributes to the great man (above).
“I’m simply stunned to hear the news of Marvelous Marvin Hagler,” said the former undisputed world heavyweight king. “Not only was he a living legend, but I was proud to call him my friend.”
Former promoter Bob Arum said: “He was a man of honour, a man of his word. He performed in the ring with unparalleled determination.”
Marvin Nathaniel Hagler May 23, 1954 Newark, New Jersey March 13, 2021 (aged 66) Bartlett, New Hampshire Weight: Middleweight
Height: 5ft 9 1⁄2in
Reach: 75in
Stance: Southpaw
........... 67 ..................... 62 .......... 52 .................... 3 ..................... 2
I NEVER saw Ray Robinson fight but I saw Marvelous Marvin Hagler – the epitome of a fighting man.
While I respect and honour the legend of Robinson, to my mind Hagler was arguably the greatest middleweight of all, and maybe the best fighter of all time.
He was a freak of nature, standing 5ft 9.5in with a 6ft 3in reach. Whether at long range, or in the pocket, he was a master.
Hagler (above, with wife Kay, in 2018) was the consummate pro who could deal with any style. He trained in Long Island, New York, in a two star-hotel that would shut down during the winter.
When I close my eyes I see him running through wind and rain along that beach, and pounding the heavy bag.
Because he was so good he did not get his chance until 1979. Even then he was robbed in a draw against Vito Antuofermo.
A year later he came to Wembley and tore the middleweight crown from Alan Minter amid disgraceful scenes at the final bell.
He reigned undefeated for seven years, defending in some amazing fights against the likes of Mustafa Hamsho, Tony Sibson and Juan Domingo Roldan.
In April 1985, just two months before my own career-defining night, Hagler (inset) gave us the greatest nine minutes in boxing history against Tommy Hearns.
Hearns had lost to Ray Leonard at welterweight, won a world title at light middle, and met Hagler at middleweight thinking he was ripe for the taking.
It was bombs away from the first bell. Speed, accuracy, power, the fight had everything. At the end of the first Hagler seemed hurt. I had never seen him in trouble before but, incredibly, he rallied towards the bell. The second round was equally relentless. Then in round three Hagler broke Hearns with a sweeping right hook. Thereafter he was all over Hearns until the ref stepped in a minute and 52 seconds into the round.
Hagler would defend his title an 11th time against John Mugabi before meeting Ray Leonard in 1987.
Leonard was brilliant. Hagler was better. He clearly won the fight, but didn’t get it. It was a robbery too far. He was so upset he never fought again.
I was proud to call him a friend. He and his second wife Kay shared holidays with my wife Sandra and I and met up at the Laureus Awards every year.
He was a great character, and a generous man. I thought he’d live for ever. Now he’s gone. Just like that.
RIP, champ.
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