HAGLER-PAVLIK EWBSS PREVIEW: A MARVELOUS MATCH-UP
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 01 Apr 2020
Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs Kelly Pavlik is today’s thrilling fantasy match-up in the quarter-finals of the ‘eWBSS Middleweight Legends Tournament’ broadcast at 7pm on World Boxing Super Series Facebook.
Marvin Hagler reigned as undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987 and was part of an incredible era in boxing history. He fought fellow legends like Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard and only lost to the latter in the ‘Super Fight’ via split decision.
Hagler had a versatile style. He could be a boxer-puncher, who methodically picked the opponent apart, he could counter and brawl and he looked marvelous doing it. In fact, In 1982, Hagler legally and rightfully changed his name to ‘Marvelous Marvin Hagler’.
His opponent ‘The Ghost’ Kelly Pavlik showed the ability to scare any opponent in a career spanning from 2000-2012 – peaking by unifying the WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine middleweight titles by defeating Jermain Taylor via TKO in the 7th in 2007. Taylor, a phenomenon at that time, the ruler of the division suffered his first professional defeat. And another one four and a half months later in the re-match going the distance.
Pavlik was a well-rounded operator with a fan-friendly, action-packed style. He only lost against Bernard Hopkins and Sergio Martinez and may not belong to the absolute top of the legends in the division. But he is certainly not far off.
The ‘eWBSS Middleweight Legends Tournament’ roster:
Sugar Ray Robinson (1), Sugar Ray Leonard (2), Marvin Hagler (3), Carlos Monzon (4) , Jake LaMotta, Ronald Wright, Kelly Pavlik & Fernando Vargas.
Quarter-Finals:
Ray Robinson vs Fernando Vargas, March 30 – Robinson W – KO5
Marvin Hagler vs Kelly Pavlik, March 31
Ray Leonard vs Ronald Wright, April 1
Carlos Monzon vs Jake LaMotta, April 2
The entire ‘eWBSS Middleweight Legends’ tournament will be streamed on the World Boxing Super Series Facebook page at 7pm (GMT) every day from Monday March 30 until the final on Sunday April 5.
The eWBSS tournaments are created by the real World Boxing Super Series to provide some much-needed relief and entertainment for fight fans around the world during these testing times.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 25 Feb 2026