Hagler looking to Rio for new boxing ‘superstar’

Boxing legend Marvin Hagler is hoping a new superstar in the sport emerges from this year’s Olympic Games in Rio.

A former undisputed middleweight world champion who was part of a golden era during the 1980s, Hagler remains positive over the future of boxing. 

However, with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao having announced their respective retirements in recent months, Hagler acknowledges there is a gap to be filled.

“I love boxing, I love to watch it. It’s never going to die I feel, but we do need another superstar and probably for the next Olympics, I think. Maybe we might find that,” the 61-year-old told Omnisport at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

Asked about Mayweather, 39, and the 37-year-old Pacquiao bringing an end to their illustrious careers, Hagler added: “Anybody that can make any kind of money and be able to walk away from this sport, God bless them.

“They were very fortunate and, like I said, God bless them because this game is a very tough game to make a living out of.”