“Wonderful” Marvin Hagler, boxing’s middleweight champion in most of the 1980s, died “unexpectedly” at his New Hampshire home, his wife, Kay Hagler, said on social media on Saturday. He was 66 years old.
“Today, unfortunately, my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire,” said Kay Hagler on her husband’s fan page on Facebook.
The cause of death was not disclosed. His official website on Saturday was dedicated to his memory.
Born in 1954 in Newark, New Jersey, and raised on the outskirts of Boston, the rising fighter had his first shot at the middleweight title in 1979, but was unsuccessful.
Then, in 1980, he knocked out champion Alan Minter for the title he would retain until 1987. He successfully defended 12 times, including against Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns. His three-round war with Hearns in 1985 was dubbed the fight of the year by The Ring magazine.
In 1987, he faced Sugar Ray Leonard and lost in the split decision. When Leonard did not grant a rematch, he retired, according to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which introduced Hagler in 1993.
He had 62 wins, three losses and two draws when his career ended, according to Hagler’s official website. He has accumulated 52 knockouts.
“The wonderful Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank has ever promoted,” said Bob Arum, president of boxing promoter Top Rank, in a statement. “He was a man of honor and of speech, and he played in the ring with incomparable determination. He was a real athlete and a real man. I will miss him very much.”
Shamar Walters contributed.