Former undisputed middleweight world champion ‘Marvelous‘ Marvin Hagler has died at the age of 66, his wife announced on Saturday.
Hagler had ruled the division from 1980, but was dethroned following a controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987.
Kay Hagler wrote on the official Marvelous Marvin Hagler Fan Club Facebook page: “I am sorry to make a very sad announcement.
“Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire.”
New Jersey southpaw Hagler was only knocked down once during his professional career and defended his middleweight crown 12 times.
In September 1980, Hagler fought Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium, securing a third-round stoppage victory after the British boxer was badly cut.
Hagler famously battled Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns in Las Vegas in 1985, winning in three brutal rounds of a fight which became known as “The War”.
But Hagler would suffer a split decision defeat to Leonard two years later and his American rival headed back into retirement, denying him a rematch.
Hagler subsequently retired from boxing in June 1988, with a record of 62 wins, two draws and three defeats.