Marvin Hagler’s widow has spoken out about anti-vax conspiracy theories regarding her husband’s passing.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler passed away this week aged 66. The iconic boxer, who legally changed his name to include his in-ring nickname, is remembered as one of the greatest pound for pound boxers of all time.
In his near 70 fight career Hagler held the unified middleweight championship for the third longest reign in boxing history (13 bouts). Hagler also holds the highest knockout percentage of all undisputed middleweight champions.
Sadly, with Hagler’s passing comes an unfounded conspiracy theory about his death. The theory, which has been thoroughly debunked by Hagler’s wife Kay Hagler is that the legendary boxer died as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Snopes, who rated this claim as unequivocally False, the theory comes from a single source; Thomas Hearns.
In a since deleted Instagram post Hearns, who famously lost to Hagler in 1985, wrote: “A real true warrior. Pray for the king and his family.. he’s in ICU fighting the after effects of the vaccine! He’ll be just fine but we could use the positive energy and Prayer for his Full Recovery!”
In response to this message Kay Hagler wrote at length on Facebook refuting Hearns’ comments.
In her post she wrote, “I was the only person close to [Hagler] 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 what happen. 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.”
Hearns has since posted to Instagram an apparent peace offering to Kay Hagler. That message included Hearns’ stating, “consider this an apology for any negative feelings that was brought to life.”
When Hagler’s death was announced, his official website included the following message:
“We are very sad to report that Marvelous Marvin Hagler died on March 13 of natural causes near his home in New Hampshire. He was a champion until the end. His family asks for privacy at this time of sorrow.”
Despite this information from the Hagler family, many anti-vaxxer commentators and communities are spreading the false information that Hagler died because of a COVID-19 vaccination.
These claims are not founded in truth.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.