Marvin Hagler dead at 66, former middleweight champion and all-time boxing great

Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one of the great fighters in the history of boxing, has died at age 66. His wife Kay shared the news on Facebook.

Hagler fought as a pro from 1973-87, and reigned as middleweight champion of the world from 1980-87. He is remembered as one of the “Four Kings” of the 1980s along with Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard. They all fought each other, bringing tremendous interest and glory to themselves and the sport of boxing. It is the type of thing we may never see the like of again, in all honesty.

Hagler was known for having one of the great chins of all time, was of course inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and is considered one of the great middleweights to ever lace up some boots and gloves.

He retired with a record of 62-3-2 (52 KO) after his extremely controversial loss to Leonard in 1987.

Photo by Jim Wilson/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

But it’s his 1985 fight with Thomas Hearns that probably has become the most famous outing of his career. The two legends squared up at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on April 15, 1985, in what became known forever as “The War.” The fight only went three rounds, but every minute of it was thrilling and had fans on the edges of their seats, or more likely standing.

Bad Left Hook sends our best wishes and condolences to the Hagler family and the legend’s loved ones, may he rest in peace.