Legendary Boxing Champion, ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler Dies At 66

One of the toughest and most beloved boxers of modern era, Marvelous Marvin Hagler has passed away at 66.

The former undisputed middleweight champion, according to his wife, Kay, died on Saturday.

Kay confirmed the news with a post on her late husband’s Facebook fan page although no official cause of death was given.

The post reads;

I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. With love, Kay G. Hagler.

Also, Promoter Bob Arum and Top Rank later confirmed the news in a press release.

Arum stated;

Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted. He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly.

Hagler, the native of Newark, New Jersey, who settled in Brockton, Massachusetts, as a teenager, went on to take part in a pair of the most memorable fights in the sport’s history.

The late southpaw boxer became the undisputed middleweight champion in 1980. He famously defended his title against Tommy Hearns in 1985 in a brutal three round fight billed as “The War.” The fight was instantly hailed as one of the most exciting, violent and dramatic title fights boxing has ever produced.

After 12 successful title defenses, the boxing icon’s career and reign as champion ended in 1987 in a controversial 12-round split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard.

Disgusted about the scoring in the Leonard fight, Hagler retired the following year at the age of 34. He immediately moved to Italy, where he spent much of his life after boxing, and pursued an acting career.

During his professional boxing career, Hagler notched 62 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, with 52 wins by knockout. He was inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

Many in the boxing community mourned the loss of Hagler, paying respects to the man who dominated the middleweight division for nearly a decade.

A father of five children with his first wife, Bertha, Hagler was also the half-brother of former middleweight boxer Robbie Sims.

May his soul rest in peace.