BROCKTON – The city of Brockton, also known as the “City of Champions,” has unveiled a new statue honoring “Awesome” Marvin Hagler Thursday.
Hagler’s family, friends and famous opponents attended the unveiling of the statue. The statue is in a park on the newly named Marvelous Marvin Hagler Way, not in the gym where the Brockton resident trained. At the base of the statue are lifelike versions of his championship belts.
After training with the Petronelli Brothers, Hagler enjoyed success, becoming the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. The city hopes that the statue will be a source of inspiration for park visitors.
“I just think it’s an incredible memorial to an individual that really expresses what Brockton, the city of champions, has always stood for,” said Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan. “Hard-working, dedicated people with a passion for achieving success.”
“I hope people come and spend time with him, even the people who didn’t know him personally, because he was a very beautiful person,” said Hagler’s wife, Kay Hagler.
Among Hagler’s opponents at the dedication were Vito Antuofermo. The two boxers became friends when Hagler lived in Italy. Antuofermo was filming “Goodfellas” at the time and said he tried to get Hagler in the film, but there weren’t enough lines to make ends meet.
