BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Hundreds of family, friends, and fans of boxing legend Marvin Halger gathered in the City of Champions on Sunday to celebrate what would have been Hagler's 67th birthday.
It comes as Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker declared May 23 as "Marvelous Marvin Hagler Day" to honor his legacy and contributions to the Commonwealth --- after Hagler died of natural causes back in March of this year.
The ceremony kicked off at 2 p.m. at Brockton's Marciano Stadium -- with a performance of the National Anthem by the Brockton High School Concert Choir.
It also featured several surprise guests that are well known in the boxing world -- including boxer Thomas 'Hitman' Hearns, ESPN's Stephen Smith, and longtime boxing analyst Al Bernstein.
In his remarks Bernstein recalled a night when he interviewed Hagler after he fought Thomas Hearns, and Hagler said he hoped people "got their money's worth."
"It's kind of a metaphor for Marvin," Bernstein said. "Because throughout his life, both in and out of the ring, he gave the world their money's worth."
Hagler's son Gentry said his father would have loved the city's celebration.
"I've been to many fights and I know how the crowd comes out just because of who he is and what type of guy he was in the game," he said. "And they loved him, you know what I mean? It's nothing but love out here today."
Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan also announced plans to erect a statue of Hagler in the city.
Hagler was the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987. He was originally born in New Jersey, but his family moved to Brockton in the late 1960s.
WBZ NewsRadio's Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Getty Images)