Marvin Hagler, middleweight boxing’s towering champion, dies aged 66

Marvelous Marvin Hagler, the towering and stylish boxing champion who dominated the middleweight division at its 1980s heights, has died. He was 66.

Hagler, who legally changed his name to Marvelous in 1982, posted a record of 62-3-2 and ruled supreme until his reign as undisputed middleweight champion came to a controversial end in 1987 with a loss to Sugar Ray Leonard.

His wife, Kay Hagler, shared the news on her husband’s verified Facebook page on Saturday evening.

“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,” Kay Hagler wrote.

Regarded as one of boxing’s great champions and best pound-for-pound fighters, Hagler was knocked down just once in 67 professional bouts while 52 of his wins came by way of knockouts.

Born in New Jersey but closely identified with Massachusetts after moving to Brockton in the 1960s, Hagler defended his middleweight crown 12 times.

In September 1980, Hagler challenged Alan Minter for the WBA and WBC middleweight titles at Wembley Arena, winning when the fight was stopped in the third round after the British boxer was badly cut.

During 1985, Hagler took on Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, which he won in three brutal rounds of a contest which became known as ‘The War’.

He took on Leonard in April 1987, a boxer who had retired twice and not fought for almost three years.

Leonard edged a highly disputed split decision, and then retired immediately again afterwards, with Hagler denied a rematch.

It would be Hagler’s final fight. He officially walked away from boxing in June 1988, with a record of 62 wins, two draws and three defeats.

“Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted,” said Bob Arum, the Top Rank Promotions supremo who promoted Hagler. “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.”

Promoter Frank Warren said on Twitter: “Boxing lost an all time great today.”

Former WBA and lineal featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan said on Twitter: “Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the incredible Marvellous Marvin Hagler.

“I’m honoured to have spent some amazing times with him. My heartfelt sympathies to his wife Kay and his family. Rest in Peace Champ.”