Marvin Hagler

The American pugilist was one of the most dominant in the sport during his time in the ring. Hagler, who turns 62 today, legally changed his name to ‘Marvelous’ in 1982 to ensure he would be referred to by the nickname he so appropriately held. His reign as the undisputed middleweight champion spanned from 1980 to 1987, which is the second-longest of the past century behind only Tony Zale.

He defended his title 12 times and holds the highest knockout percentage of all undisputed middleweight champions at 78 per cent. His career record stands at 62 wins (52 KOs), three losses and two draws. Hagler was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

After retiring from boxing in 1988, he went on to have a successful career as an action movie star in Italy.

BIRTHDAYS

Sports stars who were born on this day, May 23:

1944: John Newcombe, Australian former tennis player won seven grand slams and a record 17 doubles titles (72).
1956: Buck Showalter, American MLB manager for the Baltimore Orioles and three-time Manger of the Year (60).
1979: Rasual Butler, American basketball player who last played with the San Antonio Spurs this past season (37).
1988: Morgan Pressel, American golfer who is the youngest- ever winner of a modern LPGA major (28).