Barry McGuigan

Barry was was born in Clones in 1961, one of a family of 8 (5 girls and 3 boys). His father, Pat McGuigan was a noted singer, and represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1968.

Barry took to boxing at an early age and he was a big name on the Irish amateur circuit by the time he went to the Commonwealth Games in Canada in 1978. He was the youngest member of the team and cried tears of joy as he collected his gold medal on the victory rostrum. His genuine emotion and spirit endeared him to the public immediately.

Barry turned professional in 1981. He progressed quickly, reaching the peak of his career in 1985. In February of that year, he defeated Juan Laporte (in a fight described by Barry as his "most difficult") to become the number one contender for the WBA Featherweight crown.

Negotiations began to lure Eusebio Pedroza, the then WBA Featherweight Champion to England to defend his world title against McGuigan. A world title bout was confirmed - the fight would be staged in the "open air" at Loftus Road (Queens Park Rangers football ground).

In the run up to the evening of Saturday 8 June 1985, fight fever gripped the whole of Ireland. 25,000 people crammed into the stadium and an estimated 20 million tuned in on TV.

And they were not disappointed. There was lots of razmatazz, with Barry walking to the ring with chants of "Here we go!" bouncing over the Rocky theme tune. The fight was a gripping contest which Barry won on a unanimous verdict from the judges.

As well as the guts and glamour of the occasion, the world title fight was also memorable for the understated political message made by Barry.

Barry with Andy Lee, 2007

This picture shows Barry with the young Irish boxer Andy Lee. Since his retirement Barry has remained very involved with the sport. Between 1987 and 1990, Barry was largely responsible in founding the Professional Boxers Association to give independent help and advise to its members. He was made president of the union. He is also a boxing correpsondant on TV and in the newspapers.

Photograph courtesy of Neil McDaid

Barry with Andy Lee, 2007
Photograph courtesy of Neil McDaid

Barry with Andy Lee, 2007

This picture shows Barry with the young Irish boxer Andy Lee. Since his retirement Barry has remained very involved with the sport. Between 1987 and 1990, Barry was largely responsible in founding the Professional Boxers Association to give independent help and advise to its members. He was made president of the union. He is also a boxing correpsondant on TV and in the newspapers.

Photograph courtesy of Neil McDaid

Enlarge image

He always insisted that he was fighting for all the communities of Ireland. On the night of the fight, neither the tricolour nor the union jack flag was raised, but a neutral one (a blue flag with a white dove of peace).

He returned to Ireland to a huge hero's welcome, with messages of congratulations from the President of Ireland and the President of America!