The man known as Marvelous Marvin Hagler has passed away at 66.
Hagler’s wife, Kaye, who he had been married to since 2000, announced his death on Facebook. Born Marvin Nathaniel Hagler, he legally changed his name to Marvelous Marvin Hagler. He did this as a reaction to television networks rarely using his “Marvelous” moniker.
Hagler did not receive his first world title fight until his 50th career bout when he faced Vito Antuofermo. It was a bout he would lose via a highly disputed draw. After his setback against Antuofermo, Hagler would win three straight, setting up another world title fight against Alan Minter of England. Hagler would thoroughly dismantle Minter en route to a third route stoppage in the bout due to cuts.
After taking Minter’s titles (becoming the undisputed middleweight champion) in 1980, Hagler would stay the undisputed middleweight champion of the world until 1987. That loss was his highly controversial split decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard. With a rematch against Leonard not ever really materializing, Hagler retired in June of 1988 with a record of 62-3-2, with 52 KOs.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler has passed away at the age of 66. Most in the boxing world consider him as one of the greatest middleweights in boxing history.
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