Former boxing champion ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler dies at the age of 66

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“I’m sorry to make a very sad announcement,” his wife posted on Facebook. Today, unfortunately, my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. With love.

Hagler became the undisputed middleweight champion in 1980. He famously defended his title against Tommy Hearns in 1985 in a brutal three-round bout billed as “The War.”

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

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

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

Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya said, “Sad to hear about the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. One of the best ever to get into the ring!”
Boxing promoter Bob Arum said van 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 real athlete and a real man. I will miss him immensely.”

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