Hearns blames COVID-19 vaccine for Marvin Hagler’s death

Boxing world mourns Marvelous One

Thomas Hearns has claimed Marvin Hagler’s death at the age of 66 was linked to the coronavirus vaccine he received recently, reports worldboxingnews.net. Hearns, known as ‘The Hitman’ during his career, took to social media to report that Hagler was ‘fighting for his life in the ICU’ on Saturday.

The ex-boxer also added that Hagler was there due to the ‘after-effects of the vaccine.’ In a sad final statement, Hearns said he believed ‘he’ll be just fine, but we could use the positive energy and Prayer for his full recovery.’

Sadly, that didn’t happen, and Hagler passed away a short time later. Hearns’ revelation will be a massive blow to the continued roll-out of the vaccination programme.

Reports in Europe of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine causing blood clots in three patients already dealt a debilitating thud as countries have paused using the UK-based jab.

Social media conspiracy theories have gone into overdrive, and there will be some work to be done to assure those taking the vaccine that it’s safe.

Hagler, who legally changed his name to Marvelous in 1982, posted a record of 62-3-2 and ruled supreme until his reign as undisputed middleweight champion came to a controversial end in 1987 with a loss to Sugar Ray Leonard.

“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. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time,” Kay Hagler posted on the Marvelous Marvin Hagler Fan Club page on Facebook.

Regarded as one of boxing’s great champions and best pound-for-pound fighters, Hagler was knocked down just once in 67 professional bouts, while 52 of his wins came by way of knockouts. A member of both the World and International Boxing Halls of Fame, Hagler was twice named fighter of the year by The Ring magazine.

“Rest in peace Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Boxing lost an all-time great today,” promoter Frank Warren posted on Twitter. Hagler’s 14-year career is best remembered not for a single fight but one round, the first in his 1985 battle with Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns that became known as “The War”.

For three minutes of brutal violence the two unleashed a barrage of punches on each other. Hagler would go on to win the fight when it was stopped in the third round, the bout instantly hailed as a boxing classic.

“Saddened to hear about the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. One of the greatest to ever step in the ring! #RIPMarvelous,” tweeted boxing great Oscar De La Hoya.

Top Rank chairperson Bob Arum said Hagler was among the greatest athletes his firm promoted. “He was a man of honour and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly.”Noted ring announcer Michael Buffer tweeted he was “crushed” by the news.

Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis tweeted: “This one hits so hard also because he was the one I emulated in my own training camps after when I saw how seriously he took his training camps. The world is one great man less today.”