44 years ago

Date: 27th September 1980

Venue: Wembley Arena, Wembley, London

Title: WBC & WBA World Middleweight Titles

Promoter: Mickey Duff, Harry Levene

Tv: BBC

Alan Minter
( 38 - 6 - 0 )
Weight: 159 3/4 lbs

Marvin Hagler
( 49 - 2 - 2 )
Weight: 160 lbs

Undisputed world middleweight champion Alan Minter made the 2nd defence of his title against Marvin Hagler in front of his army of adoring fans at Wembley Arena three months after stopping Vito Antuofermo on cuts in 8 rounds to retain the title he had won from Antuofermo on a split decision points win in Las Vegas in March.

Hagler had failed to win the title against Antuofermo in November 1979, the fight ending as a split decision draw, a decision which led to Hagler being labelled "The Uncrowned Champion." Hagler came to England in no mood to leave the title in the hands of the judges for a second time.

From the first bell, the challenger from Brockton, Massachusetts fought a smart but aggressive fight, avoiding most of Minter's sharp southpaw jabs whilst landing the harder blows.

By the 3rd round, Minter was fighting through a mask of blood as Hagler's punches cut open deep wounds above and below the eyes of the brave Englishman. Hagler fulfilled his dream of becoming the undisputed world middleweight champion when referee Carlos Berrocal accepted Doug Bidwell's (Minter's manager) call to end the fight at 1:45 of the round.

On one of British boxing's saddest nights, Minter's fans rioted after the fight, submitting the new champion to a racist attack that disgraced both the sport and the country.