Former undisputed middleweight world champion ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler has died on the age of 66.
The American dominated the middleweight division from 1979 till his controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987.
“As we speak, sadly my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin handed away unexpectedly at his dwelling right here in New Hampshire,” his wife Kay Hagler said.
Hagler fought 67 instances throughout his 14-year skilled profession, profitable 62.
He triumphed on 52 events by knockout, whereas he drew two and misplaced thrice.
In September 1980, Hagler fought Britain’s Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium to say his first world titles, profitable the WBA and WBC belts.
His most well-known combat got here in April 1985 when he fought Thomas ‘Hit Man’ Hearns over three brutal rounds – a traditional often called ‘The Warfare’.
Hagler made 12 profitable title defences till his defeat by Leonard by a cut up resolution and he retired a yr later.
Boxing world pays tribute
Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis tweeted: “The world is one nice man much less right this moment.
“This one hits so arduous additionally as a result of he was the one I emulated my very own coaching camps after after I noticed how significantly he took his coaching camps. “
He added: “Not solely was he a residing legend, however I used to be proud to name him my pal. He was so energetic, power and positivity in our conversations that you’d by no means guess what a wrecking machine he was within the ring.
“Our wives would converse on the telephone to attach us and I am going to miss his voice saying ‘It is Marvelous’ on the opposite finish of the road.”
“Boxing misplaced an all-time nice right this moment,” stated boxing promoter Frank Warren.
Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan stated he was “shocked and deeply saddened” to listen to of the “unbelievable” Hagler’s dying.
The Irishman added: “I am honoured to have spent some superb instances with him. My heartfelt sympathies to his spouse Kay and his household. Relaxation in Peace Champ.”
British heavyweight Derek Chisora stated Hagler was “one of many best”.
Earlier than the world tremendous flyweight unification combat between Juan Estrada and Roman Gonzalez in Dallas on Saturday evening, a “memorial depend of 10” was led by ring announcer Michael Buffer, with the bell rung 10 instances in Hagler’s reminiscence.
