Middleweight World Champion of the 1980s

By Primiano Michele Schiavone

Sad to report that legendary middleweight champion "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler has passed away at the age of 66. No cause of death was mentioned. Reportedly he was having chest pains and trouble breathing.

This message was posted on Facebook by his wife:

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.

Hagler was one of the most formidable fighters of his era, defending his undisputed title 12 times, defeating a string of challengers that included Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns, until he lost the Wbc belt to Sugar Ray Leonard in a hotly contested split decision.

Hagler was born Marvin Nathaniel Hagler on May 23, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, and moved with his family family to Brockton, Massachusetts (the hometown of former world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano), after the 1967 riots, when fires and violent clashes between the Newark police, National Guard troops and Black residents consumed the city and 26 people were killed.

He learned to box in Brockton, where he was trained by the brothers Pat and Goody Petronelli, and worked for the Petronellis’ construction company

Hagler fought his way up gradually, taking on Bobby Watts, Willie Monroe, Eugene Hart and Bennie Briscoe before finally getting a shot at the title in 1979, when, as a challenger, reported only a draw against Italian-american Vito Antuofermo, who remained the champion.

Next year at the Wembley Arena in London, England, claimed the title from Englishman Alan Minter. Retained his undisputed title 12 times, defeating Fulgencio Obelmejias, Vito Antuofermo, Mustafa Hamsho, Qilliam Lee, again Fulgencio Obelmejias, Tony Simpson, Wilford Scypion, Roberto Duran, Juan Domingo Roldan, again Mustafa Hamsho, Tommy Hearns and John Mugabi. Decided to quit when he lost the Wbc belt to Sugar Ray Leonard in a hotly contested split decision.

Hagler compiled a pro record of 62-3-2 with 52 KOs. In 1993 was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

"Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted," said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. "He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly."