If you know me, you probably know I’m a big fight fan.
While I mostly watch MMA nowadays, back in the 80s and 90s I was all about boxing. I watched Holmes, Duran, Leonard. VHS tapes of Ali and Frazier, Jack Johnson (first black heavyweight champ, not the singer), Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, and Rocky Marciano. As a teenager, I got laughed at when I said a big heavyweight with a good jab, who knew how to tie up and counter punch, and had good lateral movement would beat Tyson. (That’s just what Buster Douglas did. Just sayin’.) And when I said the cruiserweight champ (a guy named “Holyfield”) was going to beat Tyson when he moved up to heavyweight. But enough of me patting myself on the back…
Among all fighters, Marvelous Marvin Hagler was my all-time favorite. In fact, I went to Canastota, New York to see him inducted in the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. I wore a Hagler shirt for the occasion, which he acknowledged, and which led to my reaction that was less than cool. (Think teenage girls at a Beatles concert.)
There was a lot to love about Hagler. He was a complete fighter. In fact, an unusually complete fighter. He had incredible boxing skills, with exceptional footwork, technical skill, counter-punching ability, feints, and composure when things got tough or he was bleeding. He could fight going backwards, forwards, or side to side. He could patiently box, but also be a complete destroyer. And he had the power to knock guys out quickly. Very quickly. His mindset was unrivaled, with legendary training camps that lead to such conditioning that he could fight 15 rounds and still look fresh. On top of all of that, he had the ability to seemlessly transition from an orthodox stance to southpaw and back again, probably better than any fighter ever. And he had a granite chin and could walk through punches from some of the most notoriously heavy hitters ever to fight at middleweight.
Here are some of my favorite Marvelous Marvin Hagler fights:
Hagler vs. Hearns
The no-brainer starting point for any collection of Marvelous Marvin Hagler fights. Not only is this the pinnacle of Hagler’s career, it is THE fight by which all other fights – boxing or MMA – are measured against. Ask any fight fan what their favorite fight is, and I would be at least 80 percent say Hagler-Hearns. Non-stop action. Blood. Skill. Heart. Buckle up.
Hagler vs. Hamsho 2
This fight at times is both a beautiful masterclass in the art of boxing, and just an ugly, dirty brawl. Hamsho was a talented fighter who probably would have gone down as a well-known, respected middleweight champ if he hadn’t been around at the same time as Hagler. Their first fight was a bloody slugfest over 11 rounds. This time they both seemed intent to get to business quickly. Hamsho was overtly dirty in this fight, throwing several of the most blatant head butts I’ve ever seen. Hagler systematically took him apart with some of the most beautiful combinations I’ve ever seen in a fight. Watch for the sneaky counter hook he lands as he backs up toward the ropes late in Round 2. One of the most gorgeous punches you’ll ever see.
Hagler vs. Mugabi
An absolutely grueling, brutal war. Mugabi was a frighteningly powerful puncher who had knocked out every fighter he’d faced and rarely made it past three rounds. His performance in this fight was nothing short of gutsy and inspiring. Hagler was at a point in his career where he was increasingly becoming a banger. He was also increasingly inactive. This fight had been postponed due to injury, so he hadn’t fought in a year. This version of Hagler was noticeably slower and less sharp. He was plodding more and looping punches that were usually straight. (Which Ray Leonard noticed.) Combining this slower, plodding version of Hagler with the bombing punches of Mugabi made for one of boxing’s most entertaining fights.
For stunning proof of Hagler’s legendary chin, keep a close eye near the end of Round 5. Hagler is coming in when Mugabi winds up and hits him with a picture-perfect uppercut. It snaps Hagler’s head back so that he is staring up at the sky. His head then snaps back down and he just … keeps … moving … forward. Not stagger. No sign that it had any effect. On one of the broadcasts, an announcer asked after that punch “What must be going through Mugabi’s mind?”
Hagler vs. Minter
Honestly, not one of my top favorite Hagler fights, as there’s a lack of satisfaction with how it ends, but it’s when Hagler finally won the title after being avoided for years (so much so that he only got a shot when Congress threatened boxing with a federal investigation). Minter was game, but it’s clear from the start that Hagler wasn’t leaving without that belt.
Hagler vs. Seales III
Hagler’s third fight against Sugar Ray Seales took place in 1979 at the Boston Garden. And Marv wasted no time in this fight. Don’t blink.
Hagler vs. Sibson
While Hagler’s later wars with fighters like Hearns and Mugabi get all the glory, the early 80s (80-83) may have been when Hagler was at his very best. While he started to lean more on being a banger in his later fights, this version of Hagler was pure artistry; an exceptional blend of skilled, talented boxing with speed, fluidity, counterpunching, mastery of space, and a destroyer’s mindset with the power to end fights. Sibson was another really talented middleweight who just came around at the wrong time.
Hagler vs. Hamani
Destruction at its finest.
Hagler vs. Lee
Actually, this destruction is pretty good too.
How Hagler Trained
A look inside Hagler’s work ethic and determination.