'Rest in peace': Marvelous Marvin Hagler dies aged 66

Boxing great was knocked down just once in 67-fight career

The late Marvin Hagler celebrates his unanimous-decision victory over Roberto Duran in a boxing bout in Las Vegas. AP

Boxing great Marvelous Marvin Hagler has died at the age of 66, his wife Kay Hagler said on Saturday.

"I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire, she posted on the Marvelous Marvin Hagler Fan Club page on Facebook.

Hagler legally changed his name to Marvelous in 1982 after becoming vexed that the moniker wasn't being used.

His 62-3-2 record was certainly marvellous, and he is regarded as one of boxing's great champions and best pound-for-pound fighters.

Undisputed middleweight champion throughout much of the 80s, he made 12 successful title defences

During this period he was knocked down just once and 52 of his wins came by way of knockout - including an infamous three-round destruction of 'The Hitman' Thomas Hearns in 1985.

Such was the brutality of the fight, it was subsequently christened 'The War'.

Hagler's long run holding the middleweight belt came to a controversial end in 1987 when he was defeated on points by fellow great Sugar Ray Leonard.

A year later Hagler ended speculation regarding a lucrative rematch and retired, saying "my heart says yes but my brain says no."

Among those to pay tribute to Hagler on Twitter was Tyson Fury's boxing promoter Frank Warren.