The Pride of Ireland: Remembering the Best Moments in Irish Boxing

Ireland has a long-standing legacy of producing exceptional boxers, starting with Nonpareil Jack Dempsey and continuing with their present-day champions, such as Katie Taylor.

The individuals who bear the title of ‘The Fighting Irish’ have earned their status as accomplished champions via their exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and consistent success in the boxing arena.

Certain individuals have distinguished themselves from others as they have ascended to the highest positions, whether in the last ten years or over the course of the previous century.

In a tribute to ‘fighting Ireland,’ today we look back on some of the most memorable moments in Irish boxing history. 

Barry McGuigan: Ending the Reign of Eusebio Pedroza (1985)

Throughout Barry McGuigan’s career, the conflict between Unionists and Republicans persisted throughout Ireland. He was a source of optimism amid a challenging period for the nation. McGuigan garnered widespread national support for his bout against Eusebio Pedroza.

Ultimately, “The Clones Cyclone” emerged victorious unanimously, earning the prestigious title of WBA world featherweight champion. McGuigan forcefully led Pedroza into a battle, thereby ending his opponent’s lengthy tenure as champion.

 What makes this moment so unique is the special talents that Pedroza presented to the Irish legend. He’d reigned undefeated in the ring for an impressive eight years and was regarded as one of the greatest featherweight boxers at the time.  

Katie Taylor: Headlining Madison Square Garden (2022)

In 2019, Taylor fought in a highly esteemed arena as part of the Anthony Joshua Andy Ruiz undercard. In 2022, it was Taylor’s turn to be the main attraction at MSG, where she faced off against Amanda Serrano, a seven-division world champion.

Katie Taylor’s participation in the first women’s boxing battle to headline MSG demonstrates her remarkable achievement and status as a prominent player in the sport. Taylor had a lasting impact on history by engaging in a significant battle against Serrano, among several other notable occurrences.

Considerable attention leading up to the bout revolved around the exchanges between Eddie Hearn, Taylor’s promoter, and Jake Paul, Serrano’s promoter, during press conferences and media events.

Nevertheless, the attention was redirected onto the intense battle between Taylor and Serrano, which lasted for 10 rounds as a plethora of Ireland’s top betting sites backed their countrywoman to walk out victorious despite the challenge ahead.

Taylor emerged victorious, securing a narrow-split decision with scores of 97-93, 96-93, and 94-96. This historic victory resulted in her maintaining her uncontested lightweight championship for the sixth consecutive time. 

Carl Frampton: Too Many to Name (2009-2021)

Carl Frampton, often known as “The Jackal,” had a very successful career, emerging victorious in 28 out of his 31 contests. Frampton enjoyed a prosperous amateur career, being victorious in 114 of his bouts and experiencing defeat in just 11 instances.

His professional career was replete with unforgettable moments in Irish boxing, so selecting one is just impossible. Notable achievements include defeating Kiko Martinez twice and emerging victorious against Scott Quigg. 

Frampton won the WBA super featherweight championship after an outstanding display of skill against Leo Santa Cruz, ultimately emerging victorious by unanimous decision. ‘The Jackal’s’ precision was remarkable in this bout, as he successfully connected with 36 percent of his blows compared to his opponent’s 25 percent. 

Although Frampton was defeated in his last bout against Jamel Herring, he will unquestionably be remembered as one of Ireland’s most exceptional fighters.

Steve Collings: WBO Super Middleweight Win Over Eubank (1995)

Chris Eubank delivered British boxing fans a countless number of memorable moments. Still, when the Brit entered Irish territory on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, he would be an all-show, and no action by the fight’s conclusion, as Irish legend Steve Collins was too much to handle.

In the eighth round, the challenger successfully knocked down the Englishman. Although Eubank managed to retaliate in the 10th round, it was insufficient to prevent him from experiencing his first loss.

Defeating Britain’s undefeated boxing hero was a bitter-sweet moment for Irish sports, as the friendly sporting rivalry between their European neighbors will live on forever, just as this moment in the sport cannot be forgotten.