Barry McGuigan says sorry to old rival Eddie Hearn

Barry McGuigan is loved in Ireland and further afield not just for what he achieved in the ring, but for what he achieved outside it to.

The Clones Cyclone is revered for being a gent and man of values outside the squared circle.

The fight legend and Irish sporting hero has always represented the sport in a dignified fashion.

However, in the heat of battle things can something spill out for McGuigan – who was ejected from the corner numerous times when he trained his son Shane in the amateurs.

The respected former fighter, boxing pundit, now promoter and ambassador of the sport recently felt he let himself down with how he reacted to Josh Taylor’s victory over Ohara Davis this month.

McGuigan, who is always animated when one of the fighters he guides is in action, took great pleasure in the win, but felt he overstepped the mark by taunting and swearing at old promotional partner and rival Eddie Hearn, who looks after Davies, in the seconds following the stoppage in Scotland.

In fairness, the Cyclone Promotions CEO was able to see to the funny side of the situation, but in true McGuigan fashion was keen to put the sport and its values ahead of personal pride and, when speaking to IFL TV, he sent an apology to the Matchroom promoter with whom he has had more than a few verbal spats with over the years.

“I was disappointed with myself. Screaming at Eddie, I shouldn’t have done that, that was immature and I shouldn’t have done it.”

I know he mentioned it and he was right. I was wrong to that and I am disappointed with myself.”

“However I’ll try not to do it the next time we beat Eddie. Eddie I am sorry. I behaved like a child and I won’t behave like a child in the future.”

Watch Barry McGuigan apologise to Eddie Hearn below: