5 great Irish boxers from history

#2. Carl Frampton - Two-weight boxing world champion

Carl Frampton vs. Jamel Herring in 2021

Carl Frampton is the most recent Irish boxer on this list. He made his pro debut in 2009 and retired in 2021. He has a record of 28-3 with 16 knockouts. Frampton was a world champion in both the super bantamweight and featherweight divisions. He was born in Belfast and boxed for the Irish national team as an amateur.

Frampton's most notable opponents include Josh Warrington, Nonito Donaire, Leo Santa Cruz, Scott Quigg, Kiko Martinez, and Jamel Herring. He retired immediately after his loss to Herring in 2021.

Check out the full Carl Frampton vs. Nonito Donaire fight here:

---

#1. Barry McGuigan - Former WBA Featherweight Champion

McGuigan vs. Perez

Barry McGuigan is one of the most recognizable and celebrated Irish boxers in history. He boxed professionally from 1981 to 1989 and held the WBA Featherweight World Title from June 1985 to June 1986. McGuigan also represented Ireland at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.

One of his toughest fights came in 1986 when he defended his title against Steve Cruz at Caeser's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout was held outdoors and the heat of the Nevada sun was too much for the Irish boxer. He lost via unanimous decision after 15 rounds. In the aftermath, he was hospitalized for severe dehydration. The contest was awarded The Ring Magazine Fight of the Year for 1986.

McGuigan also fought Eusebio Pedroza, Danilo Cabrera, Bernard Taylor, and Young Ali, who tragically died after their 1982 bout. Following the bout with Ali, McGuigan nearly retired from boxing. He is known across Ireland for his great success despite growing up in a border town in the country during 'The Troubles'.