Top 5 Irish Boxers
Ireland has a rich history of successful boxers throughout the history of the sport. From modern day icons to historic heroes, which five stand out in the record books, and who tops them all? Read on to find out!
5. Jack Dempsey
Given the nickname Nonpareil, due to his reputation of being unbeatable, he lost only three times in his career. Two of which were in rigged fights.
Known for his style and athleticism, Dempsey was inducted into the boxing hall of fame in 1992.
4. Rinty Monaghan
In March 1948 Monaghan became the undisputed world flyweight boxing champion, after defeating Scottish fighter Jackie Paterson.
Winning 52 of his 69 career fights, he became widely adored in his home town of Belfast where several plaques and statues of him were put up.
He also toured Europe in the post-war era as a part-time cabaret artist.
3. Barry McGuigan
Barry McGuigan’s popularity in the UK and Northern Ireland was seen as a measure of peace and neutrality between the two hostile factions.
During his successful featherweight title fight he wore the United Nations flag of peace on his shorts in an effort to promote unity.
Since his retirement he has worked in the media, and manages a number of boxers.
2. Steve Collins
Dubbed “The Celtic Warrior”, Collins is the most successful Irish boxer in history, having held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles during his career.
In his career Collins beat both Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, stopping the former’s unbeaten run.
In 39 fights Collins lost only 3 times, never by knockout.
1. Jimmy McLarnin
Jimmy McLarnin is widely regarded as the finest Irish boxer of all time. The son of a journeyman, the McLarnin family moved to Canada before settling in Vancouver.
The two-time welterweight world champion was inducted into the boxing hall of fame, and was voted the fifth best welterweight fighter of all time by Ring magazine.
Unlike many sportsmen of the time, he retired a very wealthy man thanks to range of savvy investments. Amassing a fortune similar to Lottoland’s Irish Lottery jackpot.
His record was 54 wins, 11 losses and 3 draws in 68 contests.
