Boxing Legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler dies at 66.
Boxing legend and former undisputed champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler died Saturday at the age of 66. He was known as one of the legendary four kings of boxing. The news was reported by his wife Kay Hagler via Facebook.
Marvin Hagler fought among some of the biggest names in boxing history including Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. These boxers dominated the middleweight classes during boxing’s golden era of the 1980s. Hagler fought 67 times during his 14 year career. He ended his boxing career 62-3-2 and held 52 knockouts.
Hagler was born in Newark, New Jersey, and moved with his family to Brockton in the late 1960s. He was then later discovered by the Petronelli brothers who ran a Brockton gym. They would train Hagler for his entire pro career.
Below is Kay Hagler’s announcement 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.”
Marvin Hagler was an iconic presence in the boxing ring. His relentless and venomous southpaw style of fighting decimated opponents match after match. His prowers carried him for an eight year run that began with a disputed draw against Vito Antuofermo in 1979.
For most of his career, Marvin Hagler believed that fans and promoters never gave him his proper due for his skills and achievements. Famously, he was so upset for not being introduced by his nickname “Marvelous” before a match – that he legally changed his name Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
Marvin Hagler’s last fight was against Sugar Ray Leonard. Hagler was favored to win going into the fight. This was due to Leonard coming off a three year hiatus from a detached retina. The match ultimately ended in a split decision.
Hagler was so disgusted by the turnout of the results, he vowed to never box again. He kept to his word and moved to Italy. Hagler was later inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1983.
