Marvelous Marvin Hagler, a legendary middleweight king, was facing WBA #1 contender Juan Domingo Roldan 40 years ago in what turned out to be a controversial bout. In the opening round of the fight, Hagler suffered the only official knockdown of his career. The knockdown caused quite a stir as it was debatable whether it was a slip or a push, with replays showing that it was not due to a punch. Hagler was visibly upset with referee Tony Perez’s call, claiming it was a slip. This incident left a stain on Hagler’s record as he could no longer boast of never tasting the canvas during his illustrious career.
Despite the setback in the first round, Hagler rallied back and managed to figure out Roldan’s awkward style. In the third round, a powerful right from Hagler landed on Roldan’s eye, causing intense pain and impairing his vision. Roldan displayed courage by staying in the fight and landing some shots of his own, but it was evident that Hagler was in control. As the fight progressed, Hagler maintained his composure and skillfully administered a systematic beating to Roldan, possibly still fueled by the controversial knockdown in the early rounds.
By the sixth round, Roldan’s damaged eye was exacerbated by a cut inflicted by Hagler, further diminishing his chances of turning the tide. In the ninth round, Roldan’s corner urged him to continue despite his clear distress and desire to quit. The fight culminated in the tenth round when Hagler delivered a decisive right cross to Roldan’s already battered eye, sending him to the canvas. Roldan, worn out and defeated, had nothing left to give, signaling the end of the brutal match.
The Aftermath
Despite the grueling battle, Hagler emerged victorious, defending his title and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time. The fight with Roldan, although controversial, showcased Hagler’s resilience and skill as a fighter. Roldan, on the other hand, made history by being the only man to score a knockdown over Hagler, albeit under contentious circumstances. The aftermath of the fight left a lasting impact on both fighters, with Hagler continuing his reign as the middleweight king and Roldan facing the repercussions of his brave but futile effort.
The Hagler vs. Roldan fight will forever be remembered for its dramatic moments, controversial knockdown, and the unyielding spirit displayed by both fighters. While the outcome was clear-cut in favor of Hagler, the fight itself was a testament to the heart and determination of both boxers. Hagler’s legacy as a middleweight champion remains untarnished, with this particular fight serving as a testament to his skill, resilience, and unwavering determination to remain at the top of his game.