16:28 PT – One of Hagler’s sons, James, TMZ says his father was taken to a hospital in New Hampshire earlier on Saturday after having trouble breathing and chest pains at home.
About four hours later we are told that the family has been notified that he has passed away. A cause of death is still unknown at this stage … it is also unclear whether Hagler’s death is COVID related.
Wonderful Marvin Hagler – a former middleweight champion and one of the greatest boxers who ever lived – has died … according to his wife.
An article with the sad news appeared on Hagler’s official fan club page on Facebook on Saturday with the reading … “I’m sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today my beloved husband, Marvelous Marvin, is unhappy at his house “here in New Hampshire. Our family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
The letter was signed by his wife, Kay. The exact circumstances of his death were not disclosed.
Hagler went down in history as a big boxer, and perhaps one of the best – if not THE best – middleweight fighters to fight. He held the title as the undisputed middleweight champion of the world from 1980 to 1987 … an incredible run.
He shot his first title in ’79 against Vito Antuofermo – which is called a draw, despite the feeling that Hagler took it a lot. He got a 2nd shot at the title the following year … this time against Alan Minter – for whom Hagler struck in a 3rd round stop.
Hagler successfully defended his title year after year … but one of the cruelest matches to date has finally fallen to the point Tommy Hearns in 1985, which was dubbed ‘The War’. It only took three rounds, but all were brutal … especially the first one, which is considered one of the most violent and action-packed to date.
Hagler’s rule came to an end in 1987 against no one less than the boxing icon Sugar Ray Leonard, who came out of retirement for another chance at the title. They have already gone through twelve rounds, and although many have said that Hagler gained the upper hand from SRL … the latter was announced as the winner in a split decision. Granted, Leonard received a higher percentage of blows.
After boxing, Hagler moved on to a career in film … in Italy, no less. He has starred in ‘Indio’ and ‘Indio 2’ in particular, as well as a few other action levels. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
Hagler is survived by his current wife and five children from a previous marriage. He was 66.
TEAR
Originally published – 15:53 PT