Philly Boxing History

AUGUST 24, 1978

HAGLER TOPS BRISCOE AT SPECTRUM

Marvelous Marvin Hagler made his fifth and final appearance at the Spectrum in South Philly on this day in 1978. He faced Philly legend Bennie Briscoe in the ten round main event in one of the biggest indoor boxing events in the city's history. The fight drew a paying crowd of 14,930, making it the third largest indoor attendance ever.

Hagler won the fight by decision comfortably on the judges cards, but Bad Bennie did his best to make the rising Hagler uncomfortable during the match. And the old pro, far past his prime, did enough to make the usually aggressive Hagler fight with great caution. Despite being one of the toughest and best up and coming contenders, Marvelous Marvin played it safe against Briscoe. He was able to control the fight, take the decision, and get out of Philly with his record and future intact.

Hagler cut his boxing teeth in Philadelphia. His first two visits resulted in the first two losses of his career (L10 Boogaloo Watts & L10 Willie Monroe). But after these initial setbacks, Hagler developed his reputation as a Philly Killer. He twice avenged his loss to Monroe, both times by KO. He also stopped Eugene 'Cyclone' Hart, and shortly before he became middleweight champion, avenged his loss to Watts with a 2nd round TKO. In one of his many title defenses, Hagler destroyed Philly-born William 'Caveman' Lee in less than one round. Anticipated matches with Curtis Parker and Frank 'the Animal' Fletcher during Hagler's championship reign never materialized. Although both might have been excellent brawls, it is unlikely either fight would have ended with a new Philly champ.

Hagler wore his crown with great distinction, and finally retired after losing to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987.

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