Boxing legend 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler died unexpectedly Saturday at his New Hampshire home, his wife confirmed.
Boxing Legend 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler Has Died Aged 66, His Wife, Kay, Confirmed The Sad News On Social Media
By
Zainab Pervez in
News
On 15th March 2021
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The American, widely regarded one of the greatest boxers ever, reigned as the undisputed middleweight world champion between 1980 and 1987. His 12 title defences rate as the third-longest ever championship reign, while his six years and seven months with the belt is the second-longest tenure for a middleweight.
Kay, with whom he had five children, wrote on Facebook: "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."
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Hagler took part in 67 fights during his 14-year professional career. He won 62 of those, 52 by knockout, while he drew two and lost three times.
Hagler made 12 successful title defences and famously won the classic fight known as 'The War', when he beat Thomas 'Hit Man' Hearns in April 1985.
Hagler had initially claimed the middleweight crown in his one and only fight on British soil, beating Alan 'Boom Boom' Minter by third-round TKO at Wembley Arena.
Marvelous went on to be part of some of the biggest matches in fight history, with blockbuster bouts against the other members of the 'Four Kings' - Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard - on his CV.
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He retired with a 62-3 record, and two draws, with the 1987 split-decision defeat to Leonard his final fight - and one that remains one of boxing’s most controversial results.
Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of the "incredible" Hagler's death.
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Promoter Frank Warren said: "Boxing lost an all-time great today."
Eddie Hearn wrote: "Rest in eternal peace the Marvelous One!"
The Irishman added: "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." British heavyweight Derek Chisora said Hagler was "one of the greatest".