Legendary Marvelous Marvin Hagler passes away at 66

Hall of Famer boxer and legendary middleweight champion of the world Marvelous Marvin Hagler has reportedly died. The shocking announcement came Saturday afternoon.

Hagler was 66.

“I am sorry to make a very sad announcement,” his wife Kay G. Hagler appears to have written on Hagler’s official Facebook fan page. “Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

Hagler made 12 successful defenses of his middleweight crown from 1980-1987. His knockout percentage, 78 percent, is the highest of all middleweight champions. Hagler’s war with Tommy Hearns is considered one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Bleeding and hurt in the first round, Hagler (62-3-2, 52 KOs) knocked out Hearns in round three. During his career, Hagler won 38 fights in succession.

The great champion retired soon after losing a disputed decision to Sugar Ray Leonard. Many said he’d return to the ring, but he never did.

Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, “Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted. He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly."

Maxboxing sends condolences to the Hagler family.