Sugar Ray Leonard
Former boxer Sugar Ray Leonard poses with his wife Bernadette Robi (3rd R) and family at the premiere of "Real Steel" in Los Angeles October 2, 2011. REUTERS

KEY POINTS

  • Boxing legend Marvin Hagler passed away at the age of 66 last March 13
  • Hagler was an undisputed middleweight world champion from 1980 to 1987
  • Former opponent Sugar Ray Leonard said he would give back his win if it could bring back Hagler

Earlier this month, the boxing world lost one of its all-time greats in the one and only "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler. He was 66 years old.

Hagler reigned as the undisputed middleweight champion for seven years, beating the likes of Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Fulgencio Obelmejias, among many others.

His stellar championship run would come to an end in 1987 after losing to Sugar Ray Leonard by split decision. That would end up being the final fight of Hagler’s career as he went on to retire the following year after getting tired of waiting for a rematch with Leonard.

Hagler called it a career with a 62-3-2 professional record.

Wilford Scypion and Marvin Hagler fight for the WBA, WBC and IBF Middleweight titles on May 27, 1983 at the Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Hagler won the fight with a 4th round knock out.
Wilford Scypion and Marvin Hagler fight for the WBA, WBC and IBF Middleweight titles on May 27, 1983 at the Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Hagler won the fight with a 4th round knock out. Getty Images | Focus on Sport

While it was a highlight win on Leonard’s resume, the five-division world champion said that he would give that win away if it meant being able to bring Hagler back.

“'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler was one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but it’s true. If my win from April 6, 1987 at Caesars Palace could be reversed to bring him back now, I would give it away,” Leonard told The Ring Magazine’s Tom Gray.

Leonard, 64, also touched on just how much impact Hagler had on his career.

“He was a major part of my career. I’d fought Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Wilfred Benitez, so there was that line of talent during an incredible era. All those moments, those fights, were exciting, but Hagler definitely brought out the best in me,” Leonard stated.

During the 1980s, Hagler and Leonard, along with Duran and Hearns were known as “The Fabulous Four,” a quartet of boxers who fought each other and were credited in keeping lower weight divisions relevant during that period.

“He was looked upon as unbeatable, especially in the ’80s. He was such a dominant guy. Check out what he did with Thomas Hearns [in April 1985]. I was at that fight, doing commentary [for HBO], and I was contemplating making a comeback. I saw that fight and said, ‘No, I’m okay,” Leonard added.

Leonard retired for good in 1997 with a standing of 36-3-1.

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