The widow of Marvelous Marvin Hagler has hit out at anti-vaxxer conspiracy theories after the boxing icon's sudden death at 66.
Hagler, a long-time middleweight world champion, died on Sunday (AEDT) after going to hospital with shortness of breath and chest pains.
Unfounded claims were made that Hagler had an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination – including by his former opponent, Thomas 'Hit Man' Hearns.
"Pray for the king and his family … he's in ICU fighting the after effects of the vaccine!" Hearns, who lost an iconic 1985 fight to Hagler, wrote on Instagram.
He later wrote: "Our love and respect to Marvin and his family, this is not an anti vaccine campaign … it's outrageous to have that in mind during the passing of a King, Legend, Father, Husband and so much more."
Hagler's family says he died of natural causes. His wife, Kay, wrote of her distress at the conspiracy theories.
"I was the only person close to him until the last minute, and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen," Kay Hagler wrote on Facebook.
"For sure wasn't the vaccine that caused his death. My baby left in peace with his usually smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense."
https://twitter.com/MikeTyson/status/1371126988518256645?s=20
Hagler was a revered fighter, one of the 'Four Kings' in a middleweight boxing golden era, alongside Hearns, Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard. He was undisputed middleweight champion from 1980-87, making 12 title defences before a controversial split decision loss to Leonard ended his career.
Kay Hagler said that the legendary southpaw would always be remembered, though the family did not plan to hold a funeral.
"After 31 years the love of my life is gone and my life without him no longer makes sense, but I can feel him next to me even now and he's telling me not to give up and be strong for him," she wrote.
"Thank you for your love, he loved people so much, he loved you all he was happy when he read your comments he was a special person the most beautiful person I had ever met in all my life.
"Marvin hated funerals and therefore there will be no funerals or church celebrations he wants to be remembered with a happy smile but I would be happy if each of you can light a candle for him.
"However there is something special that I will do because it was his wishes and you will be informed at the right time by me I just need time."
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