Hagler (L) Hearns (R) Best 3 Rounds Ever
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
The boxing and sports world was floored at the news of the untimely death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler at the age of 66. Hagler, arguable the best pound for pound fighter passed away last week. His wife issued the following statement: “I’m sorry to make a very sad statement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire.”
During the 1980’s Hagler along with Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas (Hit Man) Hearns and Roberto (Hands of Stone) Duran dominated the middleweight class. The 3 rounds between Hagler and Hearns is considered the most action packed rounds in boxing history. Raining devastated punches in a fierce frenzy, Hagler ended the fight by knockout. Said Hearns about the fight, “his awkwardness messed me up. I can’t take anything away from him. He fought his heart out. We put on a great show for all time.”
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Hagler would later take on Leonard in one of the most anticipated fights of the decade. Leonard would come away with the controversial split decision. It would be the last time Hagler would step in the ring. His record was 62 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws 52 of his wins were by knockout.
Born in Newark, New Jersey Marvin Nathaniel Hagler moved with his family to Brockton, Massachusetts in the late 60’s when he was discovered by Goody and Pat Petronelli who ran the local boxing gym. The brothers trained Hagler for his entire career. Hagler was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
Tributes came pouring in as the news of his death was announced. Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes Top Rank ever promoted,” said promoter Bob Arum. “He was a man of honor and a man of his word and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination.” Said announcer Michael Buffer, “I am crushed at the news that Marvelous Marvin Hagler has passed away. He was in his prime, pound for pound the best.”
On a personal note, l had the pleasure of meeting Marvin Hagler. I was sitting 5 rows from ring side during a fight between Lennox Lewis and Shannon Briggs in Atlantic City. Hagler was to my left and to his left was Joe Frazier. After the third round, Hagler leans over to Frazier and said, “you know Joe, we can get in the ring right now and beat both those guys.” Frazier nodded in agreement.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler was a man of few words. He let his fist do the talking. When he did speak, everyone paid attention. RIP champ.
