In November 1973, a boxer turned pro. He was a switch fighter, (more effective lefty), and was causing quite a stir. His name was Marvin Hagler.

Six years later, he was awarded a shot at the undisputed middleweight title. At the time he had only two defeats on his record, in close decisions against veterans Willie "The Worm" Monroe and Bobby "Boogaloo" Watts. He had beaten them convincingly in return matches, he knocked Monroe out twice, and beat Watts in two rounds . He also beat Bennie Briscoe, Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, and Mike Colbert.

He was facing newly crowned champion Vito Antuofermo, of Brooklyn, New York. It was a close affair, but the majority of viewers believed Hagler won, including referee Mills Lane. At the end of 15 rounds, the bout was declared a draw.

Marvin went back to work and knocked out a couple of guys. He eventually earned another shot at the title, but Antuofermo was not the champion. Antuofermo lost a decision to Englishman Alan Minter, and was stopped on cuts by Minter in a return. The bout was held in England, and Marvin leaped on Minter like a rabid dog stopping him on cuts in 3. What happened after the bout was a disgrace. In what should have been his moment of glory, angry English Minter fans pelted the ring with bottles and cans. Luckily, Marvin was not harmed.

After winning the championship Marvin had his name legally changed to Marvelous Marvin Hagler. He proved to be true to his name. In his first defense he stopped Fulgencio Obelmejias in 8 rounds.

In his next defense, he gave former champion Vito Antuofermo on cuts in 5 rounds. Next, he stopped a game Mustafa Hamsho in 11 rounds. Following Hamsho, he mauled William "Caveman" Lee in less than one round, and in a rematch with Obelmejias in 5 rounds. Then, he stopped tough Englishman Tony Sibson in the sixth.

Hagler, was achieving great success, but was not getting a decent payday. Marvin could not get big fights with Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, or Roberto Duran. The legendary "Hands of Stone" Roberto Duran was the one with the guts to move up and fight Marvin. After 15 spirited rounds of action, Marvin won a unanimous 15 round decision. Duran would be the only man to last 15 rounds with Hagler in a title defense.

In 1984, Hagler was facing Juan "The Hammer" Roldan, and in round one Hagler missed a left cross, and Roldan threw a hook, landing on Hagler's shoulder, but Roldan pushed Hagler down, and the referee called it a knockdown. The only one of Marvin's career. Hagler wouldn't be beaten, and stopped Roldan in 10 rounds. He re matched Mustafa Hamsho, and stopped him in three one sided rounds.

In 1985, Marvin would take on junior middleweight champion Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns. This bout was described as the 8 most exciting minutes in boxing history. The first round of their bout was described as the greatest round n boxing history. In 3 rounds of raw fury, Hagler stopped Hearns.

In 1986, Hagler faced unbeaten Ugandan warrior John "The Beast" Mugabi. The Beast was a serious threat and had won all 26 of his pro fights by knockout. The Beast built an early lead and at a point it looked like we had a new champion. Marvin came on late however and stopped Mugabi in the 11th round.

In 1987 came the fight Hagler wanted his whole life. Hagler would face "Sugar" Ray Leonard. Leonard ran and pitty-patted. Hagler stalked and landed the harder more effective shots. Hagler was the aggressor, and was ahead on my card at the end of 12. The judges jobbed Marvin and gave the title to Leonard.

Marvin left after that, like a class act. He truly was Marvelous.