'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler sadly passes away aged 66
Tributes pour in for boxing legend Marvin Hagler
British boxers, trainers, managers, promoters, legends and fans of the sport were all devastated by sad news of the passing of the incomparable 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler, one of boxing’s most beloved, exciting and accomplished champions. The former undisputed champion died unexpectedly on March 13, 2021.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Hagler overcame humble beginnings to forge a storied professional career that included 12 successful defenses of the undisputed middleweight world championship. He concluded his career in 1987 with a 62-3-2 record and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
His wife, Kay Hagler, announced the sad news, "Today, unfortunately my beloved husbad Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire."
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum lead the tributes on March 14, “Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted. 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."
Lennox Lewis paid tribute, "I'm simply stunned to hear the news of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Not only was he a living legend, but I was proud to call him my friend. He was so full of life, energy and positivity in our conversations that you would never guess what a wrecking machine he was in the ring."
Welsh boxing legend Joe Calzaghe said, "Saddened to hear the news of the passig of Marvellous Marvin Hagler. One of my hero's and a massive inspiration to me when I was young. I had the honour of meeting him a few years back in Vegas with my boy. An amazing man and a true boxing legend. RIP Champ."
Reigning European crusierweight champion, Tommy McCarthy added, "Terrible news for the boxing world. RIP Marvellous Marvin Hagler, one of our all time greats."
Tony Bellew tweeted, "Woke up to this sad news! What a man! What a fighter! East easy King and know you left a legacy and was one of the greatest to ever do it! You will never ever be forgotten…"
"Boxing lost and all-time great today," said promoter Frank Warren.
British heavyweight Dereck Chisora shared his view that Hagler was "One of the greatest".
Former Midlands Area champion, Kelton McKenzie said, "R.I.P Marvelous Marvin Hagler pictured here with my mother on my Fight night in Leicester, Grand Hotel. He was an truly former professional boxer & film actor who competed in boxing from 1973 to 1987. A legend Former World Champion (WBA, WBC)."
World title contender Ashley theophane added, "Marvellous Marvin Hagler was the greatest middleweight of all time and one of the greatest to lace up gloves."
Former European Champion, Spencer Oliver paid tribute, "So saddened to hear that Marvin Hagler has passed away, not only was he the greatest of all time, he was a true gentleman, and a lovely man. R.I.P Marvin."
Northern Ireland's Cathy McAleer said, "Great sadness to hear passing of legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler. An honour to meet, Mr Marvin Hagler in Belfast, invited by Mr Billy Murray. Mr Hagler sat ringside, as I won my first Celtic title belt, Ulster Hall. A great evening I will never forget! “ladykillers”."
Boxing News Magazine Editor, Matt Christie was quoted, "Marvelous Marvin Hagler. The bloke you show to the aliens when they ask what the word ‘boxer’ means. What a massive loss."
World title contender, Alex Dilmaghani said, "What a great fighter Hagler was. One of, if not THE greatest middleweights of all time. Could do it all. Fought whoever, whenever, wherever. A prime example of hard work & persistence. His legacy is cemented in boxing. RIP Marvelous Marvin Hagler."
Sky Sports' Adam Smith commented, "RIP the incredible, true boxing legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Extraordinary fighter. Immensely lovely lovely man."
Frank Warren-signed debutant, Jonathan Kumuteo said, "Rest In Peace to “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. A boxing legend and icon!"
Ex-Premier League footballer, Darren Huckerby paid tribute, "We've lost a true giant of the sport, greatest Middleweight Champion in boxing's greatest ever era, what Marvellous Marvin Hagler, Hearns, Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard did will never be forgotten! Hardwork, dedication, toughness, skill and heart – Marvellous had them all #FourKings"
British Boxing News would also like to extend their deepest sympathies to the Hagler family at this difficult time.
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