His ring craftsmanship (and that of Sugar Ray Leonard) not only cemented my love for boxing reporting since the 1980s but paved the way for my first world title fight coverage, their 1987 fight in Las Vegas,USA. For seven years before that April 5 night, he was undefeated.
No frills, only thrills(for the fans) and chills( for opponents) with him. He was truly one of the best that entered a roped square and when Leonard via a split decision defeated him, Hagler said his belt was stolen ,insisting he did not lose. He wanted a rematch that the winner never gave and that way left pro boxing but not the sport.
I remember our short chat at the WBC convention in same Las Vegas almost 30 years after and his ‘yeah’ answer about the prospect of visiting Nigeria to boost boxing when a project was on.
He gave boxing some of its best moments.
He was truly marvelous. He will be remembered for being so ferocious as a pugilist and so much a gentleman outside the ring.
