Marvin Hagler, the middleweight boxer whose title reign and career ended with a split-decision loss to “Sugar” Ray Leonard in 1987, died Saturday. He was 66.
Wife Kay G. Hagler confirmed the death on Facebook on the verified Marvelous Marvin Hagler Fan Club page.
“I’m sorry to make a very sad announcement,” she wrote. 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.
Hagler was 62-3-2 with 52 knockouts from 1973 to 1987. He was the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 until his loss to Leonard at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on April 6, 1987.
The fierce left-handed had two of his greatest wins at Caesars Palace, unanimously defeating Roberto Duran in 1983 and knocking out Thomas Hearns in the third round in 1985.
“The wonderful Marvin Hagler was one of the greatest athletes Top Rank ever promoted,” said Bob Arum, President of Top Rank. “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.”
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 Boxing Hall of Fame and World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1983.