‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler, widely regarded as one of the greatest middleweights to ever lace gloves, has passed away suddenly at his home in New Hampshire. He was just 66.
Hagler’s wife Kay announced the great champion’s passing on Facebook, without divulging any further details and wishing for the family’s privacy to be respected.
“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.”
Son James Hagler later told TMZ that his father was taken to hospital on Saturday after experiencing chest pain and breathing problems. ‘Marvelous’ passed away around four hours later.
One of the celebrated ‘Four Kings’, also comprising great rivals Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran, Hagler (62-3-2, 52 KOs) reigned supreme as world middleweight champion from September 1980 to April 1987, cleaning out a strong division in the process.
The Brockton-based southpaw brushed aside Alan Minter in three rounds to win the WBC and WBA middleweight crowns at Wembley Arena in September 1980 before finally losing his lineal status in his 13th defence in a highly controversial verdict to Leonard in April 1987. Hagler retired in disgust and that split decision loss still divides fans to this day.
Hagler’s finest moment was probably his three-round shootout with Hearns in April 1985 with that breathless first round widely viewed as the greatest session in boxing history.
Everyone at Boxing Social passes their sincere condolences to Marvin’s family at this sad and shocking time.
Rest in peace and power, champ.
Main image: Alamy.