‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler boasted an impressive record of 62-3-2 at the time of his retirement, beating some feared contenders, including a 25-0 ‘Beast’ of an opponent.
Marvin Hagler defeated high-level opposition in some of boxing’s most legendary fights, from his win over Roberto Duran to his three-round war with Thomas Hearns.
He retired after a split decision loss to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987, but it was just one fight earlier where he slayed ‘The Beast’.
Marvin Hagler slayed ‘The Beast’ John Mugabi in final win of his career
In 1986, coming off the back of his win over Hearns, Hagler took on John Mugabi in a defense of his WBA, WBC, and IBF world titles.
The fight was a war, with Hagler almost closing the show in the sixth round after hurting Mugabi. The challenger bounced back however, and made it to the eleventh round, even hurting Hagler and almost closing his right eye.
The penultimate round would, however, see the brave challenger floored and down for the count, giving Hagler the final victory of his career. He lost next against Leonard, and the Hagler vs Leonard rematch never happened, despite much desire for it.
According to BoxRec, the fight was so intense that both men were urinating blood after the bout, requiring hospitalization.
Marvin Hagler became ‘Marvellous’ after KOing a Caveman-turned-bank robber
In March 1982, Hagler fought William ‘Caveman’ Lee, a 21-2 knockout artist living his father’s dream as a boxer.
Hagler, who Mike Tyson praised, defeated Lee in just one round, prompting him to fall into a deep depression, eventually resulting in a bank robbery which Lee said wasn’t for money, but was done in the hopes of either being jailed or killed.
Lee’s life took various twists and turns, but thankfully, ended with him securing work and living happily with a family.
However it was this fight where ABC-TV told Hagler’s managers that he would not be introduced as ‘Marvellous’. According to BoxRec they said:
“”If he wants to be called Marvelous Marvin at ABC, tell him to go to court and have his name changed.”
Hagler pointed to his opponent who was called ‘Caveman’, citing how unfair the decision was. It was this fight, though, that led to him legally changing his name from Marvin Nathaniel Hagler to Marvellous Marvin Hagler.