Marvin Hagler Biography

Marvin Hagler, born May 23, 1954, was an American professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 1987. He reigned as the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987, defending his title twelve times with most victories by knockout. In 2001 and 2004, The Ring recognized him as the fourth greatest middleweight of all time and the 17th greatest fighter in history over the past 69 years. Hagler was knocked down only once during his entire professional career, a testament to his durability and strong chin. In May 1973, he won the National Amateur Athletic Union 165-pound title by defeating Terry Dobbs, a U.S. Marine from Atlanta, Georgia. He faced 1972 Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Seales, winning the first bout, drawing the second, and knocking out Seales in their third meeting. In November 1979, Hagler fought world middleweight champion Vito Antuofermo at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.