Tag: marvin hagler

Bob Arum at 90: Hall of Fame promoter by the numbers

Bob Arum turned 90 today. And the Hall of Fame promoter is still going strong. The Vasiliy Lomachenko-Richard Commey card on Saturday in New York (ESPN and ESPN+) will be the 2,120 th of the Top Rank chairman’s career, according to a Top Rank news …

Bob Arum turned 90 today. And the Hall of Fame promoter is still going strong.

The Vasiliy Lomachenko-Richard Commey card on Saturday in New York (ESPN and ESPN+) will be the 2,120th of the Top Rank chairman’s career, according to a Top Rank news release. That’s an average of almost 40 cards per year since his first promotion on March 29, 1966 in Toronto, where Muhammad Ali successfully defended his heavyweight title against George Chuvalo.

Arum has promoted many of the biggest names in the sport but the company emphasized the championship run of Marvin Hagler, George Foreman’s “triumphant return” to boxing and Manny Pacquiao’s rise to superstardom.

Arum also oversaw Oscar De La Hoya’s evolution into the face of boxing.

The release included “Bob Arum by the Numbers.” Here are a few items that stood out: He promoted 41 Miguel Cotto fights, more than any other fighter; he has promoted 864 cards on ESPN, more than any other network; he has promoted 677 world title fights; he has promoted 550 cards in Nevada, more than any other state; he has promoted cards in 220 U.S. cities; he has promoted cards in 42 of the 50 U.S. states; and he has promoted 63 cards in Puerto Rico, more than any other foreign country.

Promoter Bob Arum has promoted 2,119 boxing cards. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

The full list is below.

  • 2,119 Boxing cards promoted
  • 864 Boxing shows TR promoted on ESPN network
  • 677 World title fights promoted by TR
  • 550 Boxing shows TR promoted in Nevada
  • 412 Boxing shows TR promoted in New Jersey
  • 220 U.S. cities in which TR has promoted
  • 196 Boxing shows promoted by TR in California
  • 154 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Texas
  • 129 Boxing shows TR promoted on HBO network
  • 98 Boxing shows promoted by TR on CBS network
  • 92 Foreign cities in which TR has promoted
  • 73 Boxing shows TR promoted on ABC network
  • 73 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York State
  • 70 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Arizona
  • 63 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Puerto Rico
  • 52 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Mexico
  • 49 Pay-per-view boxing shows promoted by TR
  • 48 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York City                      
  • 47 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Illinois
  • 42 States in which TR has promoted boxing
  • 41 Miguel Cotto fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 41 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Pennsylvania
  • 38 Michael Carbajal fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 37 Oscar De La Hoya fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 37 Donald Curry fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 36 Johnny Tapia fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 35 Floyd Mayweather, Jr fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 33 James Toney fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 33 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Florida
  • 32 Erik Morales fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 31 Micky Ward fights promoted by TR
  • 30 Boxing shows promoted by TR on Showtime/ShoBox networks
  • 29 Mikey Garcia fights promoted by TR
  • 29 Tommy (The Duke) Morrison fights promoted by TR
  • 28 Iran Barkley fights promoted by TR
  • 28 Oscar Valdez fights promoted by TR
  • 27 Muhammad Ali fights promoted or co-promoted by TR
  • 27 Boxing shows promoted by TR on Closed-Circuit TV
  • 27 Foreign countries in which TR has promoted, including Puerto Rico (a U.S. territory)
  • 27 Jose Ramirez fights promoted by TR
  • 25 Freddie Roach fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 25 Roger Mayweather fights promoted by TR
  • 24 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New Mexico
  • 24 World heavyweight title fights promoted by TR
  • 24 Terence Crawford fights promoted by TR
  • 20 Marvelous Marvin Hagler fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 20 Manny Pacquiao fights promoted by TR
  • 19 Juan Manuel Marquez fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 17 Shakur Stevenson fights promoted by TR
  • 16 Robert Garcia fights promoted by TR
  • 14 George Foreman fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 14 Boxing shows promoted by TR in China
  • 13 Thomas Hearns fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 13 Teofimo Lopez fights promoted by TR
  • 10 Alexis Arguello fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 10 Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini fights promoted by TR (HOF)\
  • 9 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Colorado
  • 8 Roberto Duran fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 7 Sugar Ray Leonard fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 7 Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. fights by TR (HOF)
  • 5 Carlos Monzon fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 5 Emile Griffith fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 4 Mike Tyson fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 4 Tyson Fury fights promoted by TR
  • 2 Larry Holmes fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 1 Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon jump promoted by Bob Arum
  • 0 Boxing shows promoted by TR in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming

(HOF) – Hall of Famer

Bob Arum at 90: Hall of Fame promoter by the numbers

Bob Arum turned 90 today. And the Hall of Fame promoter is still going strong. The Vasiliy Lomachenko-Richard Commey card on Saturday in New York (ESPN and ESPN+) will be the 2,120 th of the Top Rank chairman’s career, according to a Top Rank news …

Bob Arum turned 90 today. And the Hall of Fame promoter is still going strong.

The Vasiliy Lomachenko-Richard Commey card on Saturday in New York (ESPN and ESPN+) will be the 2,120th of the Top Rank chairman’s career, according to a Top Rank news release. That’s an average of almost 40 cards per year since his first promotion on March 29, 1966 in Toronto, where Muhammad Ali successfully defended his heavyweight title against George Chuvalo.

Arum has promoted many of the biggest names in the sport but the company emphasized the championship run of Marvin Hagler, George Foreman’s “triumphant return” to boxing and Manny Pacquiao’s rise to superstardom.

Arum also oversaw Oscar De La Hoya’s evolution into the face of boxing.

The release included “Bob Arum by the Numbers.” Here are a few items that stood out: He promoted 41 Miguel Cotto fights, more than any other fighter; he has promoted 864 cards on ESPN, more than any other network; he has promoted 677 world title fights; he has promoted 550 cards in Nevada, more than any other state; he has promoted cards in 220 U.S. cities; he has promoted cards in 42 of the 50 U.S. states; and he has promoted 63 cards in Puerto Rico, more than any other foreign country.

Promoter Bob Arum has promoted 2,119 boxing cards. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

The full list is below.

  • 2,119 Boxing cards promoted
  • 864 Boxing shows TR promoted on ESPN network
  • 677 World title fights promoted by TR
  • 550 Boxing shows TR promoted in Nevada
  • 412 Boxing shows TR promoted in New Jersey
  • 220 U.S. cities in which TR has promoted
  • 196 Boxing shows promoted by TR in California
  • 154 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Texas
  • 129 Boxing shows TR promoted on HBO network
  • 98 Boxing shows promoted by TR on CBS network
  • 92 Foreign cities in which TR has promoted
  • 73 Boxing shows TR promoted on ABC network
  • 73 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York State
  • 70 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Arizona
  • 63 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Puerto Rico
  • 52 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Mexico
  • 49 Pay-per-view boxing shows promoted by TR
  • 48 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York City                      
  • 47 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Illinois
  • 42 States in which TR has promoted boxing
  • 41 Miguel Cotto fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 41 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Pennsylvania
  • 38 Michael Carbajal fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 37 Oscar De La Hoya fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 37 Donald Curry fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 36 Johnny Tapia fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 35 Floyd Mayweather, Jr fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 33 James Toney fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 33 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Florida
  • 32 Erik Morales fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 31 Micky Ward fights promoted by TR
  • 30 Boxing shows promoted by TR on Showtime/ShoBox networks
  • 29 Mikey Garcia fights promoted by TR
  • 29 Tommy (The Duke) Morrison fights promoted by TR
  • 28 Iran Barkley fights promoted by TR
  • 28 Oscar Valdez fights promoted by TR
  • 27 Muhammad Ali fights promoted or co-promoted by TR
  • 27 Boxing shows promoted by TR on Closed-Circuit TV
  • 27 Foreign countries in which TR has promoted, including Puerto Rico (a U.S. territory)
  • 27 Jose Ramirez fights promoted by TR
  • 25 Freddie Roach fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 25 Roger Mayweather fights promoted by TR
  • 24 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New Mexico
  • 24 World heavyweight title fights promoted by TR
  • 24 Terence Crawford fights promoted by TR
  • 20 Marvelous Marvin Hagler fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 20 Manny Pacquiao fights promoted by TR
  • 19 Juan Manuel Marquez fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 17 Shakur Stevenson fights promoted by TR
  • 16 Robert Garcia fights promoted by TR
  • 14 George Foreman fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 14 Boxing shows promoted by TR in China
  • 13 Thomas Hearns fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 13 Teofimo Lopez fights promoted by TR
  • 10 Alexis Arguello fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 10 Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini fights promoted by TR (HOF)\
  • 9 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Colorado
  • 8 Roberto Duran fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 7 Sugar Ray Leonard fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 7 Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. fights by TR (HOF)
  • 5 Carlos Monzon fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 5 Emile Griffith fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 4 Mike Tyson fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 4 Tyson Fury fights promoted by TR
  • 2 Larry Holmes fights promoted by TR (HOF)
  • 1 Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon jump promoted by Bob Arum
  • 0 Boxing shows promoted by TR in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming

(HOF) – Hall of Famer

Showtime documentary on Duran, Hagler, Hearns and Leonard set for June

Showtime announced that a documentary on Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Ray Leonard, “The Kings,” will premiere in June.

Those who witnessed it treasure the memories.

The “Four Kings” – Hall of Famers Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard – took part in a series of fights that thrilled fans worldwide and defined a generation of boxing.

And we’ll all have a chance to relive it in June. Showtime Sports Documentary Films has announced that “The Kings,” a four-part series chronicling the era, will premiere on June 6.

Here’s how the premium channel described the project in a news release:

“’The Kings’ spotlights boxing’s evolution from the end of Muhammad Ali’s era to the era of the Four Kings, set against the seismic political and socio-economic shifts taking place in the United States.

“The Four Kings rose to fame as the presidency of Jimmy Carter and economic recession gave way to the boon of 1980s capitalism and excess harnessed by the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

“Through in-depth interviews and archival footage, the series also examines the very personal battles that each man waged on his unique journey to the center of the sports world.”

Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports, said the series goes bell beyond the action in the ring.

“These four men defined an era in boxing,” he said. “Their individual stories, forever linked by the spectacular battles they waged, reflect a tumultuous period in American culture and history.

“’The Kings’ takes the viewer beyond the glorious action of some of history’s most memorable prizefights to illuminate each man’s dramatic journey and the societal context that made them stars of sports and popular culture.”

The news release went on:

“Following a brief fallow period in the wake of Ali’s retirement, boxing was revitalized when Leonard became a world champion in 1979 and waged his first battle with Duran in 1980. From that point, the Four Kings engaged in a decade-long run of riveting fights that far outperformed any other sport in attention and revenue. They were the most popular stars of sports and American culture.

“From 1979 through 1985, as a mark of their incredible achievements, the Boxing Writers Association of America bestowed these men the coveted title of “Fighter of the Year” annually with the lone exception of 1982 – with Leonard, Hagler and Hearns each winning twice.

“In the nine world title fights between them, there were four knockouts and three of the bouts were recognized by The Ring Magazine as “Fight of the Year.” The Ring magazine “Round of the Year” (and to many, the round of all time) from Round One of Hagler-Hearns is, perhaps, the most iconic single round of boxing of all time.

“Fittingly, ‘The Kings’ premieres in the 45th anniversary year of Leonard winning an Olympic gold medal and the 40th anniversary year of the welterweight world title unification battle between Leonard and Hearns, widely considered their greatest fight and a symbol of the era.”

The premiere begins at 8 p.m. ET / PT.

Showtime documentary on Duran, Hagler, Hearns and Leonard set for June

Showtime announced that a documentary on Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Ray Leonard, “The Kings,” will premiere in June.

Those who witnessed it treasure the memories.

The “Four Kings” – Hall of Famers Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard – took part in a series of fights that thrilled fans worldwide and defined a generation of boxing.

And we’ll all have a chance to relive it in June. Showtime Sports Documentary Films has announced that “The Kings,” a four-part series chronicling the era, will premiere on June 6.

Here’s how the premium channel described the project in a news release:

“’The Kings’ spotlights boxing’s evolution from the end of Muhammad Ali’s era to the era of the Four Kings, set against the seismic political and socio-economic shifts taking place in the United States.

“The Four Kings rose to fame as the presidency of Jimmy Carter and economic recession gave way to the boon of 1980s capitalism and excess harnessed by the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

“Through in-depth interviews and archival footage, the series also examines the very personal battles that each man waged on his unique journey to the center of the sports world.”

Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports, said the series goes bell beyond the action in the ring.

“These four men defined an era in boxing,” he said. “Their individual stories, forever linked by the spectacular battles they waged, reflect a tumultuous period in American culture and history.

“’The Kings’ takes the viewer beyond the glorious action of some of history’s most memorable prizefights to illuminate each man’s dramatic journey and the societal context that made them stars of sports and popular culture.”

The news release went on:

“Following a brief fallow period in the wake of Ali’s retirement, boxing was revitalized when Leonard became a world champion in 1979 and waged his first battle with Duran in 1980. From that point, the Four Kings engaged in a decade-long run of riveting fights that far outperformed any other sport in attention and revenue. They were the most popular stars of sports and American culture.

“From 1979 through 1985, as a mark of their incredible achievements, the Boxing Writers Association of America bestowed these men the coveted title of “Fighter of the Year” annually with the lone exception of 1982 – with Leonard, Hagler and Hearns each winning twice.

“In the nine world title fights between them, there were four knockouts and three of the bouts were recognized by The Ring Magazine as “Fight of the Year.” The Ring magazine “Round of the Year” (and to many, the round of all time) from Round One of Hagler-Hearns is, perhaps, the most iconic single round of boxing of all time.

“Fittingly, ‘The Kings’ premieres in the 45th anniversary year of Leonard winning an Olympic gold medal and the 40th anniversary year of the welterweight world title unification battle between Leonard and Hearns, widely considered their greatest fight and a symbol of the era.”

The premiere begins at 8 p.m. ET / PT.

Fact check: Marvin Hagler’s death not caused by COVID-19 vaccine

Fact check: Marvin Hagler’s death was not caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on USAToday.com.

***

The claim: Marvin Hagler’s death caused by COVID-19 vaccination

Boxing legend Marvin Hagler died March 13 in his home in New Hampshire. He was 66.

Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for boxing’s greatest middleweight champion and to speculate about his cause of death.

“Marvin Hagler Was Allegedly in ICU Fighting After Effects of COVID Vaccine,” claims a March 14 Instagram post from entertainment news outlet VladTV.com. This claim was also repeated by far-right publication The Gateway Pundit the same day, citing an Instagram post from fellow boxing great Thomas Hearn.

“A real true warrior Pray for the kind and his family.. he’s in the ICU fighting the after effects of the vaccine!” wrote Hearns on March 14 in a now-deleted post.

VladTV.com’s post has received nearly 3,000 likes since it was posted. In comments under The Gateway Pundit’s post, which gained nearly 5,000 likes, Instagram users expressed distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Is it still a covid death if the vaccine is what kills you?” asks one user.

“Omg another vaccine death,” said another user.

USA TODAY has reached out to VladTV.com for further comment.

Wife denies vaccine was cause of death

On March 15, Hagler’s widow, Kay Hagler, took to Facebook to address the rumors surrounding her husband’s death

“I was the only person close to him until the last minute, and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen,” she wrote, apologizing at the start of the post for potentially broken English. “For sure wasn’t the vaccine that caused his death. My baby left in peace with his usually smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense.”

According to a TMZ report, Hagler’s son, James, said his father was taken to a New Hampshire hospital after experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing.

No specific cause of death has been declared but, according to Hagler’s official website, the boxing champ died “of natural causes near his home in New Hampshire.”

Hearns, a former boxer famously defeated by Hagler in 1985 with a third-round knockout, is the only source linking Hagler’s death to the vaccine and has since deleted his Instagram post claiming that.

USA TODAY has reached out to Hearns for further comment.

The Gateway Pundit informed USA TODAY it had revised its Instagram post with Kay’s statement.

No link between deaths and COVID-19 vaccine

Hagler’s death comes after reports of deaths following vaccination among the elderly in Europe and baseball legend Hank Aaron’s death back in January.

Aaron’s death, which occurred nearly three weeks after he received his vaccination alongside other civil and human rights leaders at Morehouse Healthcare Clinic in Georgia, has not been ruled vaccine-related.

Deaths among the elderly in Norway and Germany have also been determined to be unrelated to the vaccine.

Similar claims linking the COVID-19 vaccine to reports of death across the U.S. and elsewhere have also been debunked by USA TODAY.

Our rating: False

The claim that boxing champion Marvin Hagler’s death was caused by the COVID-19 vaccine is FALSE, based on our research. The claim originates from former boxer Thomas Hearns’ March 14 Instagram post which has since been deleted. Hagler’s widow, Kay Hagler, took to Facebook to dispel the misconception that the vaccine had anything to do with her husband’s death.

[lawrence-related id=18647,18618,18595,18587]

Fact check: Marvin Hagler’s death not caused by COVID-19 vaccine

Fact check: Marvin Hagler’s death was not caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on USAToday.com.

***

The claim: Marvin Hagler’s death caused by COVID-19 vaccination

Boxing legend Marvin Hagler died March 13 in his home in New Hampshire. He was 66.

Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for boxing’s greatest middleweight champion and to speculate about his cause of death.

“Marvin Hagler Was Allegedly in ICU Fighting After Effects of COVID Vaccine,” claims a March 14 Instagram post from entertainment news outlet VladTV.com. This claim was also repeated by far-right publication The Gateway Pundit the same day, citing an Instagram post from fellow boxing great Thomas Hearn.

“A real true warrior Pray for the kind and his family.. he’s in the ICU fighting the after effects of the vaccine!” wrote Hearns on March 14 in a now-deleted post.

VladTV.com’s post has received nearly 3,000 likes since it was posted. In comments under The Gateway Pundit’s post, which gained nearly 5,000 likes, Instagram users expressed distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Is it still a covid death if the vaccine is what kills you?” asks one user.

“Omg another vaccine death,” said another user.

USA TODAY has reached out to VladTV.com for further comment.

Wife denies vaccine was cause of death

On March 15, Hagler’s widow, Kay Hagler, took to Facebook to address the rumors surrounding her husband’s death

“I was the only person close to him until the last minute, and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen,” she wrote, apologizing at the start of the post for potentially broken English. “For sure wasn’t the vaccine that caused his death. My baby left in peace with his usually smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense.”

According to a TMZ report, Hagler’s son, James, said his father was taken to a New Hampshire hospital after experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing.

No specific cause of death has been declared but, according to Hagler’s official website, the boxing champ died “of natural causes near his home in New Hampshire.”

Hearns, a former boxer famously defeated by Hagler in 1985 with a third-round knockout, is the only source linking Hagler’s death to the vaccine and has since deleted his Instagram post claiming that.

USA TODAY has reached out to Hearns for further comment.

The Gateway Pundit informed USA TODAY it had revised its Instagram post with Kay’s statement.

No link between deaths and COVID-19 vaccine

Hagler’s death comes after reports of deaths following vaccination among the elderly in Europe and baseball legend Hank Aaron’s death back in January.

Aaron’s death, which occurred nearly three weeks after he received his vaccination alongside other civil and human rights leaders at Morehouse Healthcare Clinic in Georgia, has not been ruled vaccine-related.

Deaths among the elderly in Norway and Germany have also been determined to be unrelated to the vaccine.

Similar claims linking the COVID-19 vaccine to reports of death across the U.S. and elsewhere have also been debunked by USA TODAY.

Our rating: False

The claim that boxing champion Marvin Hagler’s death was caused by the COVID-19 vaccine is FALSE, based on our research. The claim originates from former boxer Thomas Hearns’ March 14 Instagram post which has since been deleted. Hagler’s widow, Kay Hagler, took to Facebook to dispel the misconception that the vaccine had anything to do with her husband’s death.

[lawrence-related id=18647,18618,18595,18587]

Video: Ak, Barak discuss the legacy of late, great Marvin Hagler

The boxing world was stunned this past weekend by the news of Marvin Hagler’s passing. The middleweight legend’s wife, Kay G. Hagler, made the announced on her husband’s Facebook fan page, saying only that the Hall of Famer had passed away suddenly. …

The boxing world was stunned this past weekend by the news of Marvin Hagler’s passing.

The middleweight legend’s wife, Kay G. Hagler, made the announced on her husband’s Facebook fan page, saying only that the Hall of Famer had passed away suddenly.

Hagler was the undisputed 160-pound champ between 1980 and 1987, when Sugar Ray Leonard pulled off a tremendous upset to take the title.

His third-round knockout of Thomas Hearns in 1985 was his signature performance and the frenetic fight is considered one of the greatest of all time.

Hagler was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Fame in 1993.

In this episode of The Ak & Barak Show, DAZN commentators Akin Reyes and Barak Bess discuss the legacy of “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler.

Here’s what they had to say.

[jwplayer H1neYOLi]

Video: Ak, Barak discuss the legacy of late, great Marvin Hagler

The boxing world was stunned this past weekend by the news of Marvin Hagler’s passing. The middleweight legend’s wife, Kay G. Hagler, made the announced on her husband’s Facebook fan page, saying only that the Hall of Famer had passed away suddenly. …

The boxing world was stunned this past weekend by the news of Marvin Hagler’s passing.

The middleweight legend’s wife, Kay G. Hagler, made the announced on her husband’s Facebook fan page, saying only that the Hall of Famer had passed away suddenly.

Hagler was the undisputed 160-pound champ between 1980 and 1987, when Sugar Ray Leonard pulled off a tremendous upset to take the title.

His third-round knockout of Thomas Hearns in 1985 was his signature performance and the frenetic fight is considered one of the greatest of all time.

Hagler was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Fame in 1993.

In this episode of The Ak & Barak Show, DAZN commentators Akin Reyes and Barak Bess discuss the legacy of “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler.

Here’s what they had to say.

[jwplayer H1neYOLi]

Good, bad, worse: Badass David Benavidez, Estrada-Gonzalez war, RIP Marvin Hagler

Good, bad, worse: A look back at David Benavidez’s KO, the Estrada-Gonzalez war and the passing of Marvin Hagler.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Ronald Ellis (right) have a spirited effort but was still annihilated. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

I wouldn’t pick any 168-pounder to beat titleholder Canelo Alvarez but I wouldn’t be shocked if David Benavidez pulled it off.

The 24-year-old two-time super middleweight champ demonstrated again against Ronald Ellis on Saturday night that he would be a formidable test even for a top pound-for-pounder, as Ellis found out the hard way in Uncasville, Conn.

Ellis looked sharp to me, landing his jab and enough power punches to give Benavidez some resistance. And he obviously was fit and tough, which allowed him to survive 10-plus rounds.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this version of Ellis is nearly as good as Callum Smith and perhaps Billy Joe Saunders, which is a compliment. And he simply had no hope of beating Benavidez, who was better and physically superior in every way.

Benavidez delivered a brutal beating, breaking Ellis down with constant pressure and punishing shots to every legal target on the body until referee Johnny Callas had no choice but to end the slaughter in Round 11, giving Benavidez the impressive victory he needed after losing his title on the scale before his previous fight.

Benavidez outlanded Ellis 341 to 184, nearly a 2-to-1 ratio, according to CompuBox. However, his accuracy is what stands out. He landed an eye-popping 54% of his power shots, 47% overall.

To say this guy is dangerous is an understatement.

Benavidez has set his sights on 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo and 168-pound champions Caleb Plant and Alvarez, all of whom would pose a bigger threat than Ellis on paper. I think he beats Charlo (too big) and plant (too good all-around).

That leaves Alvarez. Again, I would pick Alvarez to win because of his ability and experience but I would be tempted to go with the underdog. I believe he’s that good.

***

BAD

Juan Francisco was fortunate to emerge with a victory and his titles. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom

The “bad” here is that someone had to lose the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez fight on Saturday in Dallas.

The little giants gave fans exactly what they expected, a classic brawl between two of the most gifted and toughest small fighters of their era. They combined to throw an astounding 2,529 punches, according to CompuBox. That’s more than 200 per round.

In other words, they not only gave an impressive display of ability and endurance, they gave their hearts. That’s something that’s never lost on fans.

Estrada, hoping to avenge his unanimous-decision loss to Gonzalez back in 2012, had his hand raised in the end. The scores were 117-111 and 115-113 for Estrada and 115-113 for Gonzalez, a split decision.

The result was somewhat controversial – many seem to believe that Gonzalez deserved the nod – but few are going to begrudge the Mexican a victory after the monumental effort he gave in a close, competitive fight.

I just feel sorry for Gonzalez, who was written off after consecutive losses to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2017 only to bounce back and reclaim another 115-pound title.

“Chocolatito” already is a legend. A victory over Estrada would’ve taken him to the next level, whatever that is. And it was within his grasp. Again, looking a lot like a peak version of himself, the remarkable Gonzalez arguably did enough to win.

He certainly wasn’t crushed by his fate. The man of faith was gracious afterward, saying the result was God’s will. He knew how close he came to accomplishing something truly special, though. And he must be frustrated.

Here’s the good news: Estrada is expected to defend against mandatory challenger Sor Rungvisai in his next fight but made it clear more than once that he wants to face Gonzalez a third time.

Let’s hope that happens soon. Gonzalez deserves it. And so do the fans.

***

WORSE

Marvin Hagler celebrates his historic victory over Thomas Hearns. AP Photo

The death of a legend is often difficult to comprehend.

Marvin Hagler was an indestructible force as an active fighter, one who made his name by annihilating a long list of quality opponents during his Hall of Fame career. The idea that he’s dead – at only 66 – is both shocking and depressing.

That’s because of the way we felt about him once upon a time, the way he made us feel when he did his thing, the memories.

Hagler was beyond fun to watch; he was awesome, in the literal sense of the word.

The fights with Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard stand out most, the former having been one of the sport’s greatest brawls and the latter a stunning upset that prompted Hagler to retire.

He had 65 other professional assignments, though. I remember watching his fights against Vito Antuofermo, Alan Minter, Mustafa Hamso, Juan Roldan, Tony Sibson and John Mugabi and being mesmerized by his ability to destroy another man within a relatively short amount of time.

He could box, he could punch and his chin was legendary. He went down only once, against Roldan, and that was probably what Hagler’s said it was – a slip.

He was the most machine-like of the Four Kings — Hagler, Leonard, Hearns and Roberto Duran — in terms of his efficiency. And you can’t hurt a machine built as well as Hagler. He was the closest thing to superhuman I’ve ever seen in the ring.

And now he’s gone. Hard to believe. Rest in peace, champ.

RABBIT PUNCHES

Jessica McCaskill proved on the Estrada-Gonzalez card that her victory over Cecilia Braekhus in August was no fluke, winning a wide unanimous decision in the rematch. McCaskill, a late starter, doesn’t have great technique but she’s fast, strong and fearless. Would she beat Katie Taylor or Claressa Shields? Probably not. But she’d go down swinging. … Lightweight contender Isaac Cruz was fortunate to emerge victorious over relative unknown Jose Matias Romero, who largely defused Cruz’s aggressive style by doing whatever it took — getting off first, moving, holding, anything. Cruz, fighting on the Benavidez-Ellis card, won a unanimous decision but it was close. … Carlos Sucre’s 117-111 card for Estrada — nine rounds to three — was too wide. I could see seven rounds for the Mexican, maybe eight if you gave him every benefit of the doubt. However, nine rounds wasn’t reasonable. Image throwing 1,317 punches — as Gonzalez did — and winning only three rounds. At least it wasn’t a robbery. Estrada arguably did enough to win. … Sor Rungvisai’s third-round stoppage of fellow veteran Kwanthai Sithmorseng on Friday in Thailand was impressive. He looked like a peak version of himself at 34. I think he remains a threat to any top 115-pounder, including Estrada and Gonzalez.

[lawrence-related id=18618,18610,18601,18577,18595,18587]

Good, bad, worse: Badass David Benavidez, Estrada-Gonzalez war, RIP Marvin Hagler

Good, bad, worse: A look back at David Benavidez’s KO, the Estrada-Gonzalez war and the passing of Marvin Hagler.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Ronald Ellis (right) have a spirited effort but was still annihilated. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

I wouldn’t pick any 168-pounder to beat titleholder Canelo Alvarez but I wouldn’t be shocked if David Benavidez pulled it off.

The 24-year-old two-time super middleweight champ demonstrated again against Ronald Ellis on Saturday night that he would be a formidable test even for a top pound-for-pounder, as Ellis found out the hard way in Uncasville, Conn.

Ellis looked sharp to me, landing his jab and enough power punches to give Benavidez some resistance. And he obviously was fit and tough, which allowed him to survive 10-plus rounds.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this version of Ellis is nearly as good as Callum Smith and perhaps Billy Joe Saunders, which is a compliment. And he simply had no hope of beating Benavidez, who was better and physically superior in every way.

Benavidez delivered a brutal beating, breaking Ellis down with constant pressure and punishing shots to every legal target on the body until referee Johnny Callas had no choice but to end the slaughter in Round 11, giving Benavidez the impressive victory he needed after losing his title on the scale before his previous fight.

Benavidez outlanded Ellis 341 to 184, nearly a 2-to-1 ratio, according to CompuBox. However, his accuracy is what stands out. He landed an eye-popping 54% of his power shots, 47% overall.

To say this guy is dangerous is an understatement.

Benavidez has set his sights on 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo and 168-pound champions Caleb Plant and Alvarez, all of whom would pose a bigger threat than Ellis on paper. I think he beats Charlo (too big) and plant (too good all-around).

That leaves Alvarez. Again, I would pick Alvarez to win because of his ability and experience but I would be tempted to go with the underdog. I believe he’s that good.

***

BAD

Juan Francisco was fortunate to emerge with a victory and his titles. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom

The “bad” here is that someone had to lose the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez fight on Saturday in Dallas.

The little giants gave fans exactly what they expected, a classic brawl between two of the most gifted and toughest small fighters of their era. They combined to throw an astounding 2,529 punches, according to CompuBox. That’s more than 200 per round.

In other words, they not only gave an impressive display of ability and endurance, they gave their hearts. That’s something that’s never lost on fans.

Estrada, hoping to avenge his unanimous-decision loss to Gonzalez back in 2012, had his hand raised in the end. The scores were 117-111 and 115-113 for Estrada and 115-113 for Gonzalez, a split decision.

The result was somewhat controversial – many seem to believe that Gonzalez deserved the nod – but few are going to begrudge the Mexican a victory after the monumental effort he gave in a close, competitive fight.

I just feel sorry for Gonzalez, who was written off after consecutive losses to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2017 only to bounce back and reclaim another 115-pound title.

“Chocolatito” already is a legend. A victory over Estrada would’ve taken him to the next level, whatever that is. And it was within his grasp. Again, looking a lot like a peak version of himself, the remarkable Gonzalez arguably did enough to win.

He certainly wasn’t crushed by his fate. The man of faith was gracious afterward, saying the result was God’s will. He knew how close he came to accomplishing something truly special, though. And he must be frustrated.

Here’s the good news: Estrada is expected to defend against mandatory challenger Sor Rungvisai in his next fight but made it clear more than once that he wants to face Gonzalez a third time.

Let’s hope that happens soon. Gonzalez deserves it. And so do the fans.

***

WORSE

Marvin Hagler celebrates his historic victory over Thomas Hearns. AP Photo

The death of a legend is often difficult to comprehend.

Marvin Hagler was an indestructible force as an active fighter, one who made his name by annihilating a long list of quality opponents during his Hall of Fame career. The idea that he’s dead – at only 66 – is both shocking and depressing.

That’s because of the way we felt about him once upon a time, the way he made us feel when he did his thing, the memories.

Hagler was beyond fun to watch; he was awesome, in the literal sense of the word.

The fights with Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard stand out most, the former having been one of the sport’s greatest brawls and the latter a stunning upset that prompted Hagler to retire.

He had 65 other professional assignments, though. I remember watching his fights against Vito Antuofermo, Alan Minter, Mustafa Hamso, Juan Roldan, Tony Sibson and John Mugabi and being mesmerized by his ability to destroy another man within a relatively short amount of time.

He could box, he could punch and his chin was legendary. He went down only once, against Roldan, and that was probably what Hagler’s said it was – a slip.

He was the most machine-like of the Four Kings — Hagler, Leonard, Hearns and Roberto Duran — in terms of his efficiency. And you can’t hurt a machine built as well as Hagler. He was the closest thing to superhuman I’ve ever seen in the ring.

And now he’s gone. Hard to believe. Rest in peace, champ.

RABBIT PUNCHES

Jessica McCaskill proved on the Estrada-Gonzalez card that her victory over Cecilia Braekhus in August was no fluke, winning a wide unanimous decision in the rematch. McCaskill, a late starter, doesn’t have great technique but she’s fast, strong and fearless. Would she beat Katie Taylor or Claressa Shields? Probably not. But she’d go down swinging. … Lightweight contender Isaac Cruz was fortunate to emerge victorious over relative unknown Jose Matias Romero, who largely defused Cruz’s aggressive style by doing whatever it took — getting off first, moving, holding, anything. Cruz, fighting on the Benavidez-Ellis card, won a unanimous decision but it was close. … Carlos Sucre’s 117-111 card for Estrada — nine rounds to three — was too wide. I could see seven rounds for the Mexican, maybe eight if you gave him every benefit of the doubt. However, nine rounds wasn’t reasonable. Image throwing 1,317 punches — as Gonzalez did — and winning only three rounds. At least it wasn’t a robbery. Estrada arguably did enough to win. … Sor Rungvisai’s third-round stoppage of fellow veteran Kwanthai Sithmorseng on Friday in Thailand was impressive. He looked like a peak version of himself at 34. I think he remains a threat to any top 115-pounder, including Estrada and Gonzalez.

[lawrence-related id=18618,18610,18601,18577,18595,18587]