‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler has been involved in some of boxing’s greatest ever moments and is considered to be one of the ‘Four Kings’.
Hagler is best known for his three-round war with Thomas Hearns. However, there have been plenty of memorable aspects to the fighter’s career.
Considered to be one of the greatest middleweights of all time, Hagler retired with a professional record of 62-3-2. His final loss came in a controversial defeat to ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard in 1987.
Despite losing his middleweight title in that bout, he had first become champion seven years earlier.
Marvin Hagler fought and defeated Alan Minter in 1980
Despite suffering two losses in 1976, Hagler had an impressive 49-2-2 record after a win over Marcos Geraldo in May 1980. Four months later, he would be given his second world title opportunity.
The year prior, Hagler’s title challenge against Vito Antuofermo ended in a split draw. However, he would get another chance to become a world champion against Alan Minter in September 1980.
Minter from the United Kingdom was the WBC and WBA World Middleweight champion after a brace of wins over Antuofermo. Aiming to defend the titles for the second time, he would face a 26-year-old Hagler.
The pair met in Wembley Arena, London, in September 1980.
The opening two rounds would see both men have success. However, the third round would be much different.
Damage had begun to accumulate on the face of the champion, and in the third round, Hagler would worsen Minter’s condition. With significant bleeding on his face, the British fighter was in danger from the early stages of round three.
After getting his mouthpiece smashed out of his mouth, Minter was under siege from Hagler. The referee then briefly stopped the bout before waving off the champion.
Hagler would become a world champion for the first time, scoring a third-round TKO.
Marvin Hagler would keep his champion status until his final fight
Finally winning his first world title seven years into his career, Hagler would retain his champion status until the final fight of his career.
This span lasted seven years, including 12 successful title defenses. ‘Marvelous’ would also pick up the inaugural IBF World Middleweight title in this period.
The final win of his career would come in March 1986. As Hagler defeated John Mugabi, an 11th-round knockout would be the 62nd win of his career.
In April 1987, Hagler faced Leonard. In a controversial decision, Hagler was dethroned by ‘Sugar’.
Terms could not be agreed upon for a rematch between Hagler and Leonard. This would mean that Hagler never stepped into the ring again as a professional.