A former undisputed middleweight champion and rival of Marvin Hagler has revealed the one fighter who hit harder than the American great.
Commended for being one of the greatest middleweights of all time, Hagler dominated the division during the 1980s where he reigned as the undisputed champion between 1980 and 1987.
The Newark-native made no less than twelve successful defences of his crown during this period, defeating the likes of John Mugabi, Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns and Roberto Duran along the way.
Hagler’s reign eventually came to an end when he suffered the third defeat of his career to countryman Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987, in what would prove to be the 67th and final ring appearance of his decorated tenure.
One man who has more experience than most in sharing the ring with Hagler is former undisputed world middleweight champion Vito Antuofermo, who faced ‘Marvelous’ in 1979 and 1981 respectively.
Their first meeting ended in a split decision draw, before Hagler then claimed a fourth round retirement win over Antuofermo in the rematch.
Despite getting stopped by Hagler, Antuofermo surprisingly overlooked his rival when he was asked to reveal the biggest puncher that he ever faced, as he revealed in a resurfaced interview with Boxing News.
“Eugene “Cyclone” Hart of Philadelphia was the hardest puncher I ever fought. He knocked a lot of guys out. He destroyed Sugar Ray Seales and had Hagler in trouble. He hurt me in the third and fourth rounds but then. I ended up knocking him out. After we fought I knew that if I can take this guy’s punch nobody is going to be able to knock me out.”
Italian star Antuofermo beat Hart by fifth round stoppage back in March 1977 in what was the penultimate fight of the American’s career.
Hart also took on Hagler in the fight prior, suffering an eighth round retirement defeat, as his final record stood at 30 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw and 1 no contest, but 28 wins by knockout, proving exactly why Antuofermo viewed him as such a big puncher.
