Marvin Hagler
“Marvelous”
Titles & honours
- Undisputed Middleweight Champion (1980–1987)
Biography
Marvelous Marvin Hagler — legally changed his first name to 'Marvelous' in 1982 — was born Newark, New Jersey in 1954 and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. Held the undisputed middleweight title from September 1980 to April 1987 (12 successful defences), making him the longest-reigning middleweight of the four-belt era. A switch-hitter who fought equally well from orthodox and southpaw, Hagler bullied opponents with pressure, distance management, and a granite chin. The 1985 'War' with Thomas Hearns lasted 7 minutes 52 seconds — three rounds of unbroken, frenetic violence — and is widely cited as the most exciting middleweight title fight in history. He lost the title to Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987 by split decision and retired the same year, walking away from the rematch Leonard offered. Moved to Italy and became a film actor. Died 2021.