Hagler looking to Rio for new boxing 'superstar'

Omnisports

April 19, 2016 3:15 AM

As the Rio Olympics draws near, ring legend Marvin Hagler hopes the competition can uncover a new 'superstar' for boxing.

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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."

Hagler also addressed the topic of professional boxers potentially being granted permission to compete against amateurs in the Olympics - an issue that has prompted much debate within the sport.

"I think it's going to be a tough situation in a sense," said Hagler. "A lot of great champions came out of the Olympics [having competed as amateurs] and became world champions - guys like [Muhammad] Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard.

"A lot of these guys went on to become very successful, so it's a stepping tool in a sense of them being who they want to be."

Omnisports