• 1). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns - This fight still ranks as the most brutal boxing match in history. Round 1 is written into boxing lore for its frenetic pace that left Hagler bloodied and Hearns with a broken right hand. Herans was decked in the third round and failed to beat the referee's count. Few could blame him. Bettmann Archive
    1). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns - This fight still ranks as the most brutal boxing match in history. Round 1 is written into boxing lore for its frenetic pace that left Hagler bloodied and Hearns with a broken right hand. Herans was decked in the third round and failed to beat the referee's count. Few could blame him. Bettmann Archive
  • 2). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Vito Antuofermo, June 13, 1981 - Hagler was not alone in thinking he had been robbed of victory during their first fight in 1979. He vowed not to leave the decision to the judges for his rematch against former champion Antuofermo. The Italian was knocked down in the third round before his corner stopped the bout to save their man any more punishment. Getty
    2). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Vito Antuofermo, June 13, 1981 - Hagler was not alone in thinking he had been robbed of victory during their first fight in 1979. He vowed not to leave the decision to the judges for his rematch against former champion Antuofermo. The Italian was knocked down in the third round before his corner stopped the bout to save their man any more punishment. Getty
  • 3). Alan Minter v Marvelous Marvin Hagler, , September 27, 1980 - Hagler travelled to London to face middleweight champion Minter for his second title bout. The buildup was ugly, the tense atmosphere stoked further when Minter was quoted as saying that "No black man is going to take my title" (Minter would later insist he meant "that black man"). Minter's corner called the fight after Hagler had left their man with four deep cuts on his face inside three rounds. Getty
    3). Alan Minter v Marvelous Marvin Hagler, , September 27, 1980 - Hagler travelled to London to face middleweight champion Minter for his second title bout. The buildup was ugly, the tense atmosphere stoked further when Minter was quoted as saying that "No black man is going to take my title" (Minter would later insist he meant "that black man"). Minter's corner called the fight after Hagler had left their man with four deep cuts on his face inside three rounds. Getty
  • 4). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Roberto Duran, November 10, 1983 - Few fighters were as mean as Hagler, but if anyone could match up to him it was Duran. The Panamanian was stepping up in weight and went toe-to-toe with Hagler before a late flourish by the American was enough to earn him a unanimous decision. Duran was the first challenger to last the distance (15 rounds) with Hagler in a world-championship bout. Getty
    4). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Roberto Duran, November 10, 1983 - Few fighters were as mean as Hagler, but if anyone could match up to him it was Duran. The Panamanian was stepping up in weight and went toe-to-toe with Hagler before a late flourish by the American was enough to earn him a unanimous decision. Duran was the first challenger to last the distance (15 rounds) with Hagler in a world-championship bout. Getty
  • 5). Marvelous Marvin Haglver v Sugar Ray Leonard, April 6, 1987 - Leonard, left, came into the fight after a three-year retirement to face the undisputed middleweight champion riding a 16-win stretch. Leonard fought on the back foot, peppering the champion with jabs and flicks, but Hagler was never hurt and many dispute the judges' decision to award the fight to Leonard. Hagler never fought again. Getty
    5). Marvelous Marvin Haglver v Sugar Ray Leonard, April 6, 1987 - Leonard, left, came into the fight after a three-year retirement to face the undisputed middleweight champion riding a 16-win stretch. Leonard fought on the back foot, peppering the champion with jabs and flicks, but Hagler was never hurt and many dispute the judges' decision to award the fight to Leonard. Hagler never fought again. Getty

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Leonard, Duran, Hearns - Marvelous Marvin Hagler's 5 greatest fights

The undisputed middleweight champion from 1982 to 1987 and one of boxing's 'Four Kings' died on Saturday age 66

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings
Abu Dhabi

March 14, 2021

  • English
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Boxing legend Marvin Hagler, the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987, died on Saturday at the age of 66.

In a posting on the famed fighter's Facebook page, Kay G Hagler said her husband passed away at the family home in Bartlett, New Hampshire.

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"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," she wrote. "Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

Hagler fought from 1973 to 1987 and delivered some of the epic bouts in a golden era of the sport, finishing with a record of 62-3 with two drawn and 52 knockouts.

The southpaw's most heralded triumph came in a 1985 matchup at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas against Thomas "Hitman" Hearns that lasted only a tick over eight minutes but was regarded as a classic that became known simply as "The War."

Hagler defended the undisputed crown 12 times, including a 15-round unanimous decision victory over Panama's Roberto Duran in 1983 and his final triumph, an 11th-round knockout of unbeaten Ugandan John Mugabi in 1986.

Hagler's long run as undisputed middleweight champion came to a controversial end in 1987 when he was defeated on points by fellow great "Sugar" Ray Leonard.

He retired after the Leonard fight with a record of 62-3 with two drawn and 52 knockouts and is regarded as one of boxing's great champions and best pound-for-pound fighters of all time.

Hagler's five best fights

1). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Thomas "Hitman" Hearns, April 15, 1985

Resut: Hagler wins by third round TKO; retains WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring middleweight titles

2). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Vito Antuofermo, June 13, 1981

Result: Antuofermo retires at the beginning of Round 4; Hagler retains WBA, WBC, and The Ring middleweight titles

3). Alan Minter v Marvelous Marvin Hagler, September 27, 1980

Result: Hagler wins by third-round TKO and is crowned WBA, WBC, and The Ring middleweight champion

4). Marvelous Marvin Hagler v Roberto Duran, November 10, 1983

Result: Hagler won by unanimous decision to retain the WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring middleweight titles

5). Marvelous Marvin Haglver v Sugar Ray Leonard, April 6, 1987

Result: Leonard wins by split decision; Duran loses WBC and The Ring middleweight titles

  • Marvin Hagler celebrates his unanimous-decision victory over Roberto Duran in a boxing bout in Las Vegas. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
    Marvin Hagler celebrates his unanimous-decision victory over Roberto Duran in a boxing bout in Las Vegas. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
  • Former world middleweight champion Marvin Hagler poses on the red carpet as he arrives for the Laureus World Sports Awards at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi February 7, 2011. Reuters
    Former world middleweight champion Marvin Hagler poses on the red carpet as he arrives for the Laureus World Sports Awards at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi February 7, 2011. Reuters
  • Marvin Hagler sends sweat flying as he pounds challenger Roberto Duran in the ninth round of a boxing bout in Las Vegas. Hagler scored a unanimous decision over Duran. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
    Marvin Hagler sends sweat flying as he pounds challenger Roberto Duran in the ninth round of a boxing bout in Las Vegas. Hagler scored a unanimous decision over Duran. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
  • Marvin Hagler stands in the ring after his boxing bout against Sugar Ray Seales in Boston. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
    Marvin Hagler stands in the ring after his boxing bout against Sugar Ray Seales in Boston. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
  • In this April 1985 file photo, middleweight champion Marvin Hagler celebrates his title with his manager, Pat Petronelli, and co-manager, Goody Petronelli, in Las Vegas. Hagler knocked out Thomas "Hitman" Hearns in the third round of the boxing bout. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
    In this April 1985 file photo, middleweight champion Marvin Hagler celebrates his title with his manager, Pat Petronelli, and co-manager, Goody Petronelli, in Las Vegas. Hagler knocked out Thomas "Hitman" Hearns in the third round of the boxing bout. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
  • In this 1982 file photo, boxer Marvin Hagler poses for a photo. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
    In this 1982 file photo, boxer Marvin Hagler poses for a photo. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
  • In this November 1974 file photo, Marvin Hagler, right, throws a right at Sugar Ray Seales during a boxing bout in Seattle, which ended in a draw. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
    In this November 1974 file photo, Marvin Hagler, right, throws a right at Sugar Ray Seales during a boxing bout in Seattle, which ended in a draw. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
  • In this April 1987 file photo, "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler, left, moves in on "Sugar" Ray Leonard during the third round of a boxing bout in Las Vegas. Leonard won with a split decision. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with the loss to Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
    In this April 1987 file photo, "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler, left, moves in on "Sugar" Ray Leonard during the third round of a boxing bout in Las Vegas. Leonard won with a split decision. Hagler, the middleweight boxing great whose title reign and career ended with the loss to Leonard in 1987, died Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 66. AP
  • Former South African president Nelson Mandela (L) strikes a fighting pose with former world middleweight champion Marvin Hagler (C) and former world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis April 23,2001. Reuters
    Former South African president Nelson Mandela (L) strikes a fighting pose with former world middleweight champion Marvin Hagler (C) and former world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis April 23,2001. Reuters
  • Boxer Marvelous Marvin Hagler (L) poses with Bernard Hopkins, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after he (Hopkins) won over Winky Wright, of St. Petersburg, Florida, following their light heavyweight fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 21, 2007. Hopkins won by unanimous decision. Reuters
    Boxer Marvelous Marvin Hagler (L) poses with Bernard Hopkins, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after he (Hopkins) won over Winky Wright, of St. Petersburg, Florida, following their light heavyweight fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 21, 2007. Hopkins won by unanimous decision. Reuters
  • In this file photo Laureus Academy member Marvelous Marvin Hagler and his wife Kay Guarrera pose on the red carpet prior to the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Berlin on February 17, 2020. Boxing legend Marvin Hagler, the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987, has died at age 66, his wife said Saturday, March 13. In a posting on the famed fighter's Facebook page, Kay G. Hagler said her husband died at the family home in New Hampshire. AFP
    In this file photo Laureus Academy member Marvelous Marvin Hagler and his wife Kay Guarrera pose on the red carpet prior to the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Berlin on February 17, 2020. Boxing legend Marvin Hagler, the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987, has died at age 66, his wife said Saturday, March 13. In a posting on the famed fighter's Facebook page, Kay G. Hagler said her husband died at the family home in New Hampshire. AFP
  • 10th May 1980: American boxer Marvin Hagler in London for his middle-weight title fight against Britain's Alan Minter. Getty
    10th May 1980: American boxer Marvin Hagler in London for his middle-weight title fight against Britain's Alan Minter. Getty
  • Laureus Academy Member Marvelous Marvin Hagler attends a fundraising dinner of Operation Breakthrough at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on March 6, 2015 in Hong Kong. Laureus supported-project Operation Breakthrough have organised a forum In Hong Kong to cover the topic Sport can change lives and a fundraising dinner. Operation Breakthrough utilises sport as a means to help, rehabilitate and enhance opportunities for youth. Getty
    Laureus Academy Member Marvelous Marvin Hagler attends a fundraising dinner of Operation Breakthrough at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on March 6, 2015 in Hong Kong. Laureus supported-project Operation Breakthrough have organised a forum In Hong Kong to cover the topic Sport can change lives and a fundraising dinner. Operation Breakthrough utilises sport as a means to help, rehabilitate and enhance opportunities for youth. Getty
  • Laureus Academy Member Marvelous Marvin Hagler participates in a session with youth at Hong Kong Police Boxing Club at Tai Po District on March 5, 2015 in Hong Kong. Laureus supported-project Operation Breakthrough utilises sport as a means to help, rehabilitate and enhance opportunities for Youth. The programme helps to fight crime, reduce juvenile delinquency and recidivism amongst youth from low income immigrant communities. Getty
    Laureus Academy Member Marvelous Marvin Hagler participates in a session with youth at Hong Kong Police Boxing Club at Tai Po District on March 5, 2015 in Hong Kong. Laureus supported-project Operation Breakthrough utilises sport as a means to help, rehabilitate and enhance opportunities for Youth. The programme helps to fight crime, reduce juvenile delinquency and recidivism amongst youth from low income immigrant communities. Getty
The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Boxing