Rest in Peace Freddie Gilroy

There has been some sad news today with the passing of 1956 Olympic bronze medalist Freddie Gilroy at the age of 80.

Belfast’s Gilroy claimed bronze at the Melbourne Games, KOing Russian favourite Boris Stepanov en-route to the semi-final where he was controversially outpointed Germany’s Wolfgang Behrendt.

Following the Olympics, southpaw Gilroy embarked on a pro career, compiling a 28(18)-3(1) record and winning British, Commonwealth, and European titles, as well as challenging for the World title in 1960 in London, losing a unanimous decision to Alphonse Halimi.

In his last fight, Gilroy emerged victorious over fellow Belfast man Johnny Caldwell via a ninth round stoppage (cuts) in a legendary bout.

Our thoughts are with his family.