Boxing mourns the loss of former champ ‘Marvelous’ Marvin
TRIBUTES have come from around the sporting world following the death of former undisputed world middleweight champion ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler at the age of 66.
Hagler had ruled the division from 1979, but was dethroned following a controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987.
On Saturday, his wife Kay, writing on the official Marvelous Marvin Hagler Fan Club Facebook page, said: “My beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire.”
Former WBA and featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan led the tributes, writing on Twitter: “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.”
Eleven-time world champion
Oscar De La Hoya said he was “saddened” by Hagler’s death, adding: “One of the greatest to ever step in the ring!” Promoter Frank Warren said on Twitter: “Boxing lost an all time great today.”
New Jersey southpaw Hagler was only knocked down once in his career, defending his middleweight crown 12 times. In 1980, Hagler fought Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium, winning by a stoppage in the third round to claim his first world title. In 1985, Hagler took on Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns in Las Vegas, winning in three rounds. Hagler took on Leonard in April 1987, a boxer who had retired twice and not fought for almost three years. Leonard took victory on a split decision, and then retired immediately again afterwards, denying Hagler a rematch.
Hagler retired in 1988, with 62 wins, two draws and three defeats.