OSCAR DE LA HOYA led the tributes from the boxing world to ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler.
The former American middleweight superstar passed away on Saturday aged 66.
He was a popular champion and his sudden passing this weekend clearly rocked many inside the sport.
Six-weight champ De La Hoya was one of many fighters, promoters and trainers from the world of boxing to pay their respects on social media following the sad news.
He said: “Saddened to hear about the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. One of the greatest to ever step in the ring! RIP Marvelous.”
Tyson Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum wrote: “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.”
Legendary trainer Teddy Atlas added: “He was a no frills solid man, who brought a lunch pale filled with power, guts, pride, will, talent and character.
“And he fought everyone, anytime, anywhere. And he was great. He was Marvin Hagler. R. I. P. Champ.”
Regis Prograis tweeted: “RIP to a true legend. Marvelous Marvin Hagler.”
Adam Smith wrote: “RIP the incredible, true boxing legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Extraordinary fighter. Immensely lovely lovely man.”
Promoter Frank Warren said: “Boxing lost an all-time great today.”
And Eddie Hearn commented: “Rest in eternal peace the Marvelous One!”
UFC chief Dana White and Andre Ward also shared tributes on Twitter.
Iconic announcer Michael Buffer introduced a ten-count in honour of Hagler at the fight night in Dallas last night, where Juan Francisco Estrada beat Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez via a split decision.
Buffer posted a series of tweets remembering the legendary fighter.
He said: “I am crushed at the news that MARVELOUS MARVIN HAGLER has passed away!
“He was – in his prime – POUND4POUND the best, going 11yrs in 38 fights w/o defeat! He dominated the MW division 4 a decade! 62 wins/52KOs-3 losses.
“One of the most difficult & heartbreaking things I’ve ever had to announce in the ring.
“I’ve had to do this so many times for my heroes including friends – Ali, Smokin’ Joe, Kenny, Floyd, Jake, Jersey Joe, Archie, Robbie… the list is too long w/too many names!”
Hagler’s wife Kay announced the news of her husband’s tragic passing on social media on Saturday.
The American, widely regarded one of the greatest boxers ever, reigned as the undisputed middleweight world champion between 1980 and 1987.
One of the most difficult & heartbreaking things I’ve ever had to announce in the ring..I’ve had to do this so many times for my heroes including friends-Ali, Smokin’Joe, Kenny, Floyd, Jake, JerseyJoe, Archie, Robbie…the list is too long w/too many names!
R.I.P. ALL
— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) March 14, 2021
FOREVER MARVELOUS
Rest in peace middleweight legend Marvin Hagler
pic.twitter.com/Fa2mUUZVxD
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 14, 2021
RIP the incredible, true boxing legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Extraordinary fighter. Immensely lovely lovely man.
pic.twitter.com/uJfvrBmdoC
— Adam Smith (@SkyAdamSmith) March 14, 2021
His 12 title defences rate as the third-longest ever championship reign, while his six years and seven months with the belt is the second-longest tenure for a middleweight.
A boxing Hall of Famer, Hagler was named Fighter of the Decade (1980s) by Boxing Illustrated and twice named Fighter of the Year (1983 & 1985) by The Ring magazine.
He legally changed his name to ‘Marvelous’ in 1982, after becoming annoyed that American commentators were not using his nickname.
Regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters ever, while his stunning record of 52 KOs in 62 wins see him ranked among boxing’s heaviest hitters.
His chin was perhaps his greatest asset, with just one knockdown scored against him in 67 professional fights – with even that still hotly contested by fans and pundits.
