While grieving the loss of her husband Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Kay Hagler was forced to intervene on internet rumors about the cause of his death. Following news of the 66-year-old middleweight boxing champion’s passing, which was first reported on Saturday (March 13), rumors circulated on social media claiming that Marvin suffered negative side effects from his COVID-19 vaccine, leading to his death.

In since-deleted Instagram posts, reported by Snopes, middleweight boxer Thomas Herns wrote that Marvin was hospitalized due to “after-effects” of the vaccine. Herns lost to Marvin in their famous world middleweight championship boxing match in 1985.

“A real true warrior. Pray for the king and his family,” Herns reportedly wrote. “He’s in ICU fighting the after-effects of the vaccine! He’ll be just fine, but we could use the positive energy and prayers for his full recovery.”

After the post and others like it, rumors circulated on Facebook and Twitter that Marvin allegedly died due to side effects from the vaccine. However, his wife Kay put a stop to the reports on Facebook, calling them “nonsense.”

“I was the only person close to him until the last minute and I am the only person that know[s] how things went,” she wrote. “Not even his family kn[e]w all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing what really happen[ed].”

“For sure [it] wasn’t the vaccine that caused his death,” she continued. “My baby left in peace with his usually [sic] smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense.”

Kay added that because “Marvin hated funerals,” the family will not be hosting a funeral or church service in his honor. Instead, she encouraged fans to pay tribute to his memory by wearing “a happy smile” or by lighting a candle.

“However, there is something special that I will do because it was his wishes [sic] and you will be informed at the right time by me, I just need time,” she added.

Kay announced her husband’s tragic death on Saturday and revealed he passed away “unexpectedly” in his New Hampshire home.

“He loved people so much; he loved you all [and] he was happy when he read your comments,” she continued. “He was a special person… the most beautiful person I had ever met in all my life.”

Read Kay’s full post below.

I would like to speak with my heart to all of you. I apologize if my English is not written correctly but I hope…

Posted by Marvelous Marvin Hagler FAN CLUB on Monday, March 15, 2021