Former “wonderful” boxing champion Marvin Hagler dies at 66 years old

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“I’m sorry to make a very sad announcement,” his wife posted on Facebook. “Today, unfortunately, my dear husband, the wonderful Marvin, died unexpectedly at his home in New Hampshire. Our family asks you to respect our privacy at this difficult time. With love.”

Hagler became the undisputed middleweight champion in 1980. He defended his title against Tommy Hearns in 1985 in a brutal three-wheeled fight called “The War.”

After 12 successful defenses in the title, the boxing icon’s reign and reign ended in 1987 in a controversial 12-part defeat by split decision against “Sugar” Ray Leonard. He announced his official retirement the following year and moved to Italy, where he became an actor in action films.

During his professional boxing career, Hagler scored 62 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, with 52 wins per tie. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

Many in the boxing community mourned Hagler’s loss, paying tribute to the man who dominated the middleweight division for nearly a decade.

Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya dit, “Sad to hear of the death of the wonderful Marvin Hagler. One of the greatest to have entered the ring!”
Boxing promoter Bob Arum dit of Hagler, “He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he acted in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly.”

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