‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler is considered to be one of the toughest and most entertaining fighters to ever exist.
The former middleweight world champion has wins and finishes over some of the very best to compete in the 1980’s.
From becoming a world champion against Alan Minter, to Hagler’s war with Thomas Hearns, ‘Marvelous’ was truly one of a kind.
Going unbeaten for over 10 years, Hagler’s title reign is one of the best in history. This run even included Hagler becoming an inaugural champion with a devastating performance.
Marvin Hagler defeated Wilford Scypion to win inaugural IBF World Middleweight title
After a win over Tony Sibson, Hagler had a professional record of 55-2-2, as well as five defenses of his WBA and WBC World Middleweight titles.
Following the win, Hagler would be given the opportunity to fight for the inaugural IBF World Middleweight title. To become the belt’s first champion, Hagler had to get past Wilford Scypion on May 27th, 1983.
Scypion had a 26-3 record, and was just 24 years old when he fought Hagler. As well as this, he had not been knocked out in any of his losses.
However, Hagler would be able to put Scypion down for the first time in his career. Clearly leading the title bout in the first three rounds, the fight would end in the fourth.
A hearty performance from Scypion would not be able to withstand the thumping punches of Hagler. A right hand from ‘Marvelous’ would be the beginning of the end. A wobbled Scypion would continue to receive punches from the great, before crumbling to the canvas.
Scypion’s corner would call off the fight quickly after the knockdown, as Hagler won the inaugural title bout.
Marvin Hagler defended IBF World Middleweight title for first time against Roberto Duran
Six months after stopping Scypion, Hagler would look to defend his IBF World Middleweight title for the first time, as well as his WBA and WBC titles.
The unified champion would welcome a challenge from fellow boxing legend Roberto Duran, who had just beaten Davey Moore.
Fighting in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Hagler would edge out a close decision against Duran. Fighting all 15 rounds, Hagler won a narrow unanimous decision.
It was the fifth loss of Duran’s career, whose professional record turned to 77-5.