A "Marvelous" reply

"Marvelous" Marvin Hagler


Reference Date: December 26th




My grandfather was a big boxing fan, since he grew up in the days when the "sweet science" was as popular as baseball and drew more attendance than pro football. He died when I was young, but I remember him telling me stories about the "good old days." He ignited my passion for boxing, which lives on despite the mediocre level of talent in today's game.

The era I grew up in, the 1980's was another glorious time for boxing, as it saw many legends emerge, from Gerry Cooney to Mike Tyson. One of the best was a man who lived up to his billing, "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler (which is now his legal name.)

Hagler became middleweight champion of the world in 1980, and held the title for an impressive seven years. In that time, he had some memorable matches, including superfights with Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns, and a controversial loss to Sugar Ray Leonard. In 1993, Hagler was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

I contacted Hagler at his home in Italy, where he has been living since his retirement from the sport in 1987. He was kind enough to send this reply:


Hi Chris

Thank you for writing, and for your support.

Well it's always difficult to give advice to someone.

All I know is that I always fought very hard for everything I did and I do.

You have to believe in yourself and in what you're doing.

Good luck with whatever you do in your life, and never feel disappointed
if things don't go the way you want.

Keep Punching!

Marvelous Marvin Hagler


I sent him a thank you the next day.