Legendary promoter Bob Arum believes a reigning world champion can surpass the legacy of the legendary Marvin Hagler.
‘Marvelous Marvin’ is widely considered to be one of the greatest fighters to ever lace up the gloves, enjoying a glittering professional career which spanned the majority of the 70’s and 80’s.
Hagler reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion for seven years, where he racked up career defining victories over Roberto Duran and Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns.
One man who had a major influence on Hagler’s career was Top Rank’s Arum, who promoted the boxing icon on a number of occasions during the peak of his career.
However, in a shock admission made in a video with Top Rank, Arum revealed current lightweight star Shakur Stevenson as the one fighter that could surpass the legacy of ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler.
“I remember years ago, way before you were born, when I was promoting Marvin Hagler.
“Hagler fought a lot in New England and when became a real big star and started fighting in these big places in Las Vegas, thousands of people would come to New England to watch him fight. And so he was a big, big attraction and every casino wanted Hagler to fight there.
“As good as he was, and he was great, you’re gonna surpass him. I really believe that.”
The veteran promoter has since split from Shakur but remains complimentary of his talent.
Stevenson is the reigning WBC lightweight champion, where he remains unbeaten through 23 professional outings having made the most recent defence of his crown against Britain’s Josh Padley on February 22.
The 27-year-old from Newark, New Jersey has already won world titles in three weight divisions, as he looks to conquer the 135lb division with unification fights on the horizon for the American superstar before potentially tackling a fourth division.
