Marvin Hagler American professional boxer Date of Birth: 23.05.1954 Country: USA

1. Marvin Hagler: The Middleweight Champion
2. Early Career and Controversial Losses
3. The Reign of a Champion
4. Thrilling Battles
5. Final Fight and Retirement

Marvin Hagler: The Middleweight Champion

Marvin Hagler, an American professional boxer, was one of the greatest middleweight champions in history. He held the world title in the middleweight division for several years and was considered one of the strongest boxers of the 1980s.

Early Career and Controversial Losses

Hagler made his professional debut in May 1973 and spent his entire career in the middleweight division. In 1976, he suffered two losses to relatively unknown boxers but later avenged both defeats in rematches. In November 1977, Hagler faced middleweight champion Vito Antuofermo, and the fight ended in a draw. Many experts believed that Hagler was robbed by the judges.

The Reign of a Champion

In September 1980, Hagler defeated the new middleweight champion Alan Minter by a third-round knockout. He continued his dominance by defeating undefeated Fulgencio Obelmejias in January 1981. In June 1981, Hagler faced Antuofermo again and knocked him out in the fifth round. He then defeated Mustafa Hamsho in October, winning by technical knockout due to a cut on his opponent.

In March 1982, Hagler scored a first-round knockout against William Lee. He had a rematch with Obelmejias in October 1982 and knocked him out in the fifth round. The following year, in February 1983, Hagler defeated Tony Sibson by a knockout and, in May 1983, added another victory to his record by knocking out Wilford Scypion while competing for the vacant IBF title.

In November 1983, Hagler defeated Roberto Duran, a former champion in two weight divisions, by a unanimous decision. The victory solidified Hagler's reputation as one of the best boxers of his time.

Thrilling Battles

In March 1984, Hagler faced Juan Domingo Roldan, who knocked him down in the first round, the first knockdown of Hagler's career. However, Hagler recovered and knocked out Roldan in the tenth round.

In October 1984, Hagler had another fight with Mustafa Hamsho and defeated him by a third-round knockout. However, one of the most memorable fights in Hagler's career took place in April 1985 against Thomas Hearns, a champion in two weight divisions. The fight was a thrilling display of aggression and skill, with Hagler knocking out Hearns in the third round. It was named "Fight of the Year" by Ring Magazine.

Final Fight and Retirement

In March 1986, Hagler faced the undefeated Ugandan boxer John Mugabi, who had won all of his previous fights by knockout. Hagler defeated Mugabi in the eleventh round by knockout, showcasing his strength and skill.

In April 1987, Hagler faced Sugar Ray Leonard, a champion in two weight divisions, in what would be his final fight. Leonard won by a split decision. Following the loss, Hagler retired from boxing.

Marvin Hagler left a lasting legacy in the sport, with his dominance in the middleweight division and thrilling performances against top opponents. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest boxers of his era.