Marvin Hagler, the great middleweight boxer whose title reigned and his career ended in a split decision loss against “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday. He was 66 years old.
His wife Kay G. Hagler confirmed the death on Facebook on the verified page of the Marvel Fan Marvin Hagler Fan Club.
“I’m sorry to make a very sad announcement,” he wrote. “Today, unfortunately, my beloved husband, the wonderful Marvin, died unexpectedly at his home in New Hampshire. Our family asks you to respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Hagler was 62-3-2 with 52 qualifiers from 1973 to 1987. He was the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 until his defeat to Leonard at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on April 6, 1987.
The fierce left-hander won two of his biggest victories at Caesars Palace, unanimously beating Roberto Duran in 1983 and eliminating Thomas Hearns in the third round in 1985.
“The wonderful Marvin Hagler was one of the best athletes Top Rank has ever promoted,” said Top Rank President Bob Arum. “He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he acted in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a real athlete and a real man. I will miss him a lot.”
Hagler was born in Newark, New Jersey, and moved with his family to Brockton, Massachusetts, in the late 1960s. He was inducted into the International Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall in 1983.