He gave us the best 9 minutes of boxing ever
I NEVER saw Sugar Ray Robinson fight. But I saw Marvelous Marvin Hagler. He was the epitome of a fighting man.
I respect the legend of Robinson, but for me Hagler was arguably the greatest middleweight of them all, maybe the best fighter of all time.
He was a freak of nature at 5ft 9.5ins with a 6ft 3ins reach. Whether at long range, or in the pocket, he was a master.
Hagler was the consummate pro and could deal with any style. He trained up in Long Island in a two star-hotel that would shut down during the winter.
When I close my eyes I see him running through the wind and rain along that beach, and pounding the heavy bag for all he was worth.
Because he was so good he did not get his chance until 1979, when he was robbed in a draw with Vito Antuofermo.
A year later at Wembley he tore the middleweight crown from Alan Minter amid disgraceful scenes at the end.
He reigned undefeated for seven years, defending in some amazing fights with the likes of Mustafa Hamsho, Tony Sibson and Juan Domingo Roldan.
In April 1985, just two months before my own career-defining night, Hagler gave us the greatest nine minutes in boxing history against Tommy Hearns.
Hearns had lost to Sugar Ray Leonard at welterweight, won a world title at light middle and met Hagler at middleweight thinking that he was ripe for the taking.
It was bombs away from the first bell, like two steers going at each other. Speed, accuracy, power, the fight had everything. Caesars Palace was a frenzy as Hagler won in the third.
He was a friend and a great character. I thought he’d live for ever. Now he’s gone. Just like that. RIP champ.