SIMPLY MARVELOUS . Oil on birch panel. 20 " x 30 "

Nicknamed "Marvelous Marvin," Marvin Hagler became a professional boxer after winning 57 amateur fights and the 1973 AAU national middleweight championship, and proceeded to win 26 consecutive bouts, including 19 knockouts. The 5 foot 91/2 inch, 165 pound left-hander shaved his head and used a menacing glower to intimidate opponents in pre fight confrontations. In one of the most celebrated middleweight fights of all time, Hagler lost the WBC title to Sugar Ray Leonard on a 12-round split decision in April, 1987. Hagler earned $12 million for the fight, - which was held in Las Vegas - the largest purse in history. He retired the following year with a record of 61 wins, 51 by knockout, 3 losses, and 2 draws.