The untimely passing of boxing icon and Hall of Famer Marvin Hagler is indeed a loss, not only for the sport of boxing, but the sports world as a whole. The New Jersey born, Brockton, Massachusetts raised Hagler was the epitome of the “blue collar workman’s” like boxer. He rose through the ranks of the sport, not buoyed by Madison Avenue marketing or deep pocketed promoters with inordinate amount of influence. But by winning – fight after fight – until he could no longer be denied.
Throughout his career, Hagler took on all comers. From the likes of Roberto Duran, to John Mugabi, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns. An integral part of the Golden Age of boxing, Hagler’s greatest victory was perhaps over Thomas Hearns.
Viewed by many as one of the greatest eight minutes of boxing ever. Simply known as “The War”, the two brawled for three rounds as if trapped in a telephone booth. Ultimately Hagler would prevail with a third round knockout. The fight showed the world why he was indeed the “Marvelous One”.
As we mourn the passing of Marvin Hagler we look back at perhaps one of the greatest rounds of boxing ever. Round One of Hagler vs. Hearns.