Marvelous Marvin Hagler (1954-2021) American Boxer
Marvelous Marvin Hagler (1954-2021) American boxer
Marvelous Marvin Hagler
Birth 23 May 1954
Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, USA
Death 13 Mar 2021 (aged 66)
Bartlett, Carroll County, New Hampshire, USA
Burial Details Unknown
Hall of Fame Professional Boxer
He was the former undisputed World Middleweight Champion from 1980 until 1987. Generally regarded as one of the top fighters in the history of the sport, he will be remembered for his ferocious battle with Thomas Hearns in 1985 and the controversial loss to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987 which concluded his career.
He earned Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year honors twice (1983 and 1985, shared with Donald Curry). Marvin Nathaniel Hagler (His name was legally changed to Marvelous Marvin Hagler in 1982) was brought up on the tough streets of Newark, New Jersey.
He took to boxing during his teenage years and made his amateur debut in 1969. In 1973, he came to prominence in the sport when he captured the US National AAU Title and turned professional during that year. Under the guidance of trainers and brothers Pat and Goody Petronelli, he tallied more that two-dozen wins before suffering his first defeat against Bobby Watts at Philadelphia’s Spectrum in early 1976.
His first world title fight was against Italian fighter Vito Antuofermo for the WBC and WBA Middleweight belts in late 1979 which resulted in a draw. In September 1980, Hagler brutalized British fighter Alan Minter at London’s Wembley Stadium in a 3-round technical knockout victory to secure both the WBC and WBA Crowns.
The match was overshadowed by an unruly mob who threw bottles and other debris as a reaction to the fight’s result. Over the next six-and-a-half years, he won title defenses against Roberto Duran (1983) and Thomas Hearns (1985).
The fight against Hearns in what became known as “The War” saw a first-round which is considered by many experts as being one of the best of the sport’s history with both fighters inflicting much damage to their opponent. Hagler suffered ugly cuts over his eyes and at one point, referee Richard Steele strongly considered stopping the bout. During the third-round, Hearns was knocked to the canvas after a series of vicious landings from Hagler.
He rose to his feat by the count of eight, however a clearly exhausted and defeated Hearns could not continue and the fight was stopped earning Hagler the victory.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler (1954-2021) American boxer
On April 6, 1987, Hagler lost a split decision to Sugar Ray Leonard in what became regarded as one of the most disputed results of a championship fight. After the disappointing defeat, Hagler never returned to the ring. In 67 fights, he compiled a 62 win (52 by knockout), 3 loss and 2 draw record. He was only knocked down once during his career as a professional.
He was enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. After retiring from boxing, he went on to appear in several Italian motion pictures.