‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler may be one of the toughest fighters to ever become a champion in the world of boxing.
Retiring after a controversial split decision loss to fellow member of the ‘Four Kings’, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Hagler was never stopped across 66 professional fights.
With a final career tally of 62-3-2, Hagler is considered to be one of the greatest middleweights of all time.
One of Hagler’s finest performances came in 1983, when he was able to defend his world title in style.
Marvin Hagler defended his world title against Tony Sibson via TKO
Winning the WBA and WBC World Middleweight titles in 1980, Hagler’s win over Alan Minter would be the start of one of the all-time great title runs.
Hagler defended his titles five times in just under two years as his professional record stood at 55-2-2 by the end of 1982.
For his sixth title defense and 60th professional fight, Hagler would compete in Massachusetts in February 1983. His opponent would be Englishman Tony Sibson, who was on a 14-fight winning streak.
With a professional record of 47-3-1, Sibson was set to be a tough challenge for Hagler on paper. However, his title challenge would be unsuccessful.
Despite a hearty performance from Sibson, the durability and quality of Hagler showed as he was able to dispatch his opponent in round six.
A heated back-and-forth exchange between the two competitors ended with Hagler on top. A knockdown would see Sibson hit the floor and receive a count, but would return to the bout.
As the action resumed, the two would trade punches before a right hand from Hagler stunned Sibson. With his head down, the title challenger was helpless against a second cross from ‘Marvelous’, who put Sibson down and out.
Roberto Duran would also be defeated by Marvin Hagler in 1983
Hagler would follow his win over Sibson with another two victories in 1983, which included picking up the inaugural IBF World Middleweight title.
After Sibson, Hagler defeated Wilford Scypion via knockout. In November 1983, Hagler would be challenged by fellow legend Roberto Duran.
Duran was coming off of a knockout over Davey Moore and had a professional record of 77-4. Despite running the champion close, ‘El Cholo’ could not dethrone Hagler.
Winning a unanimous decision by minor margins, Hagler earned his 58th professional win.