Three Boxers Who Beat Marvin Hagler: The Greatest Middleweight of His Era

M Marvin Hagler was one of the greatest middleweights in boxing history, known for his relentless, powerful style. Despite his dominant performance, the legendary boxer faced three significant challenges and unsurpassed defeats in his illustrious career. This article explores the three boxers who managed to beat Marvin Hagler and how these victories shaped the boxing landscape during the 1970s.

WHO BEAT MARVIN HAGLER?

Among the trio of fighters who managed to beat Marvin Hagler were Bobby Watts, Willie Monroe, and Sugar Ray Leonard. These three boxers were integral to Hagler's rise to greatness, and their victories are remembered as some of the most important moments in middleweight boxing history. However, it is important to note that Hagler also had draws and losses due to bad decisions, which are often disputed. For example, Ray Seales and Vito Antuofermo had drawn with Hagler despite many believing he should have won those fights.

Bobby Watts: The First and Only Unquestionable Defeat

Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts was the first and only fighter who unquestionably defeated Hagler in a fair fight. Their first meeting on January 13, 1976, was a shock for Hagler and the boxing world. Despite being seven years younger, Hagler’s decision to contest the bout in his hometown of Boston was widely criticized. The fight ended with a recorded decision in favor of Watts, and despite Hagler’s belief that he was more than capable of winning, the judges' decision was not disputed. Their rematch on February 15, 1977, was closely contested but ended in a second-round knockout for Watts, cementing his legacy.

Willie Monroe: A Talented Opponent

Willie “The Worm” Monroe was another formidable opponent for Hagler. In their first fight on March 9, 1976, Hagler suffered his second defeat, also in a decision. Monroe, known for his aggression and physicality, gave Hagler a tough fight. Their rematch in February 1977, nearly a year later, saw Hagler regain his form, but Monroe was still a top contender. Hagler's final victory over Monroe in 1977 marked the end of Monroe’s unbeaten streak and solidified Hagler’s reign as the top middleweight.

Sugar Ray Leonard: The Controversial Loss

Sugar Ray Leonard’s encounter with Hagler in their final fight on November 8, 1985, is often referred to as one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. This fight, known as the "Hangin' Hagler" bout, ended with a controversial decision in favor of Leonard, 120-110, 117-113, 118-109. It was widely believed that Hagler outperformed Leonard but the judges gave Leonard the victory, adding to the debate around Hagler's career record.

Conclusion

Marvin Hagler's three notable losses to Bobby Watts, Willie Monroe, and Sugar Ray Leonard are etched in boxing history. Despite these defeats, Hagler's dominance in the middleweight division is undeniable. The victories of these three boxers have left a lasting impact on the sport, pushing Hagler to even greater heights and making him one of the all-time greats.