Hagler was my mentor - Mweya

Hagler was my mentor - Mweya• Referee grateful for lessons Namibian boxing referee and judge Fillemon Mweya describes the late American professional boxer 'Marvellous' Marvin Hagler as a boxing hero. LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Local referee Fillemon Mweya says he met 'Marvellous' Marvin Hagler on two occasions, in 2018 and 2019, and that the champion mentored him and encouraged his involvement with boxing.

“I met Hagler for the first time in Ukraine when we had a World Boxing Council (WBC) convention in October 2018. I had a long conversation with him on how to improve boxing in Namibia. We exchanged knowledge and skills. I remember him telling me to take care of my career.

“I met him again in Cancun, Mexico, in 2019 for the WBC convention. He was my mentor. He taught me a lot about boxing. He was excited to see me and I was awarded with an international boxing diploma at that convention. “May his soul rest in peace,” said Mweya.



Life of Hagler

Hagler, who became one of boxing's greatest middleweight champions, wielding awesome punching power while shrugging off opponents' blows, died on Saturday in New Hampshire. He was 66. Hagler's wife, Kay, announced on his fan club's Facebook page that he had died “unexpectedly” at their home, but did not provide details. One of the most formidable boxers of his era, Hagler defended his title 12 times before losing to Sugar Ray Leonard in a 1987 split decision.