Former boxing champion ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler dies at 66

Former boxing champion ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler dies at 66

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“I’m sorry to make a very sad announcement,” posted his wife on Facebook. “Today, unfortunately, my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family asks you to respect our privacy during this difficult period. With love.”

Hagler became the undisputed middleweight champion in 1980. He defended his title against Tommy Hearns in 1985 in a brutal three-round fight called “The War”.

After 12 successful title saves, the boxing icon’s career and reigning champion ended in 1987 in a controversial 12-round split decision to “Sugar” Ray Leonard. He announced his official retirement the following year and moved to Italy, where he became an actor in action films.

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

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

Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya said, “I was saddened to hear of the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. One of the greatest who has ever stepped in the ring!”
Boxing promoter Bob Arum said de Hagler, “He was a man of honor and of speech, and he played in the ring with incomparable determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him very much.”

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