Famous Irish Boxers

Kevin Martin McBride is an Irish former professional boxer who gained significant recognition for defeating Mike Tyson in 2005, marking Tyson's final professional fight for nearly two decades. Prior to his professional career, McBride represented Ireland at the 1992 Summer Olympics as an amateur boxer. Throughout his professional boxing career, McBride faced various opponents and showcased his skills in the ring, leaving a lasting impact with his victory over Tyson and his overall contributions to the sport.

Steve Collins, known as the Celtic Warrior, is a former Irish professional boxer who had a successful career from 1986 to 1997. He held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles simultaneously, never losing a fight as champion. Collins initially fought in the United States before winning various titles, including the Irish and USBA middleweight titles. He fulfilled his potential in his early 30s, becoming WBO middleweight champion in 1994 and later claiming the WBO super-middleweight title in 1995. Collins successfully defended his titles multiple times before retiring frustrated by the inability to secure a fight against Roy Jones Jr.

Mike Perez is a skilled professional boxer of Cuban and Irish descent. He currently holds the WBA Intercontinental Cruiserweight title and has proven himself as a formidable contender in the boxing world. In 2017, Perez challenged for the WBC cruiserweight title, showcasing his determination and ambition in the sport. With his impressive achievements and unwavering dedication, Perez has earned recognition as a talented boxer with the potential to make a significant impact in the competitive world of boxing.

Gary "Spike" O'Sullivan is an accomplished Irish professional boxer who has secured multiple middleweight championships at the regional level, notably including the Irish title during his career spanning from 2009 to 2017. In addition to his success in the boxing ring, O'Sullivan showcased his versatility by taking on acting and stunt work in the 2007 film Strength and Honour. With a strong presence in both sports and entertainment, O'Sullivan continues to make a mark in his professional endeavors.

Jack Doyle, also known as "the Gorgeous Gael", was a versatile figure in the entertainment world, excelling as a boxer, professional wrestler, actor, and tenor. Despite being a boxing prodigy in his youth and a contender for the British Boxing Heavyweight Championship, his promising career was derailed by alcoholism. He attempted to transition to singing and acting in the 1930s but faced setbacks in boxing. In the 1950s, he ventured into professional wrestling, embodying a character reminiscent of Gorgeous George, before succumbing to alcoholism and homelessness.

Andy Lee is an Irish former professional boxer who competed from 2006 to 2017. He held the WBO middleweight title from 2014 to 2015, making history as the first member of the travelling community to win a major world title. Lee was trained by the late Emmanuel Steward during his professional career, showcasing his dedication to the sport. His notable achievements in boxing, including his title win and connection to lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, have solidified his legacy in the boxing world.

Barry McGuigan, also known as The Clones Cyclone, is an accomplished Irish boxing promoter and former professional boxer. He has held the WBA and lineal featherweight titles, as well as the British and European featherweight titles. McGuigan was recognized as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1985 and was later inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005. He is the president of the Professional Boxing Association and the founder and CEO of Cyclone Promotions. McGuigan holds dual citizenship in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Kellie Harrington is an accomplished Irish amateur boxer known for her success in various international competitions. She has achieved significant milestones in her career, including winning a silver medal at the 2016 Women's World Boxing Championships in the light welterweight division. Harrington further solidified her status as a top athlete by claiming gold medals in the lightweight division at both the 2018 Women's World Boxing Championships and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Her consistent performance and dedication have earned her widespread recognition and respect in the boxing world.

Paddy Ryan was an Irish American boxer who achieved fame as the bare-knuckle American heavyweight champion on 30 May 1880 by defeating Joe Goss. He held the title until he was beaten by John L. Sullivan on 7 February 1882. Ryan's professional career included ten major bouts and numerous exhibitions, with some against Sullivan in his later years. These exhibitions provided additional income with fewer rounds and lower risk compared to competitive fights.

Brendán Îngle was an Irish boxing trainer, manager, and former professional boxer. He was based in Sheffield, England, where he trained four world champions at his Wincobank gym. His notable proteges included Johnny Nelson, "Prince" Naseem Hamed, Junior Witter, and Kell Brook. Ingle's impact on the sport was significant, and his coaching prowess earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and respected figures in the boxing world.

Katie Taylor is a highly accomplished Irish professional boxer and former footballer. She has held multiple world championships in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions, becoming the undisputed and lineal champion in both categories. Taylor's unification victories have solidified her as one of the greatest female boxers, having held all major world titles simultaneously on two separate occasions. With an impressive amateur career and Olympic gold medal, she has elevated the status of women's boxing both nationally and internationally. Known for her rapid and aggressive fighting style, Taylor is widely regarded as one of the best active female boxers in the world.

Luke Keeler is an Irish professional boxer known for challenging for the WBO middleweight title in 2020. He made his professional debut in 2013 with a first-round stoppage victory. Keeler participated in the final edition of the Prizefighter series in 2015, reaching the semi-final. Following a win over Luis Arias, he expressed a desire to face top competitors in his division. In 2018, Keeler revealed a phone call from Conor McGregor challenging him to a boxing match, highlighting his ambition in the sport.

Tommy McCarthy is an accomplished Irish professional boxer who has made significant strides in his career. He previously held the European cruiserweight title, showcasing his skill and determination in the ring. With a successful amateur background that includes winning a bronze medal for Ireland at the 2008 Youth World Championships, McCarthy has demonstrated his talent and potential in the boxing world. His achievements reflect his dedication to the sport and his ability to compete at a high level.

Jono Carroll, known as an Irish professional boxer, made a name for himself in the boxing world by challenging for the IBF junior-lightweight title in 2019. With a promising career ahead, Carroll has showcased his skills and determination in the ring, earning respect and recognition from fans and fellow boxers alike. His relentless work ethic and passion for the sport have propelled him to compete at the highest level, solidifying his status as a formidable contender in the boxing community.

Michael Carruth turned professional in 1994 after his impressive Olympic victory in 1992. Throughout his professional boxing career, he faced various opponents and gained a reputation for his skill and determination in the ring. Carruth displayed a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, earning the respect of both fans and fellow boxers. After six years in the professional boxing world, Carruth decided to retire in 2000, leaving behind a legacy as an accomplished and respected athlete in the sport.

Michael Gomez, known as "The Predator," is a former professional boxer who competed from 1995 to 2009. He gained recognition for his fights in the featherweight and super-featherweight divisions, winning the British super-featherweight title twice and the WBU super featherweight title. Gomez experienced a mix of victories and controversies throughout his career, with notable knockout streaks and high-profile wins. His career was marked by ups and downs, including a controversial loss to Peter McDonagh and a memorable bout against Amir Khan in 2008.

Michael Conlan is an accomplished Irish professional boxer who transitioned from a successful amateur career to the professional circuit in 2016. Notable achievements include challenging for the IBF featherweight title in 2023 and the WBA (Regular) featherweight title in 2022. As an amateur, he achieved the number one ranking in the AIBA bantamweight world rankings and secured a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics, as well as gold at the 2015 World Championships. Conlan is considered one of Ireland's most successful amateur fighters.

Gerard "Hatchet" Kavanagh was a former boxer and senior member of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group. Known for demanding payment of drug debts with menaces, he was involved in professional boxing in Boston. He had a reputation within the criminal underworld and was linked to various criminal activities. Kavanagh's connections to the Kinahan group and his involvement in illegal activities brought him notoriety, overshadowing his boxing career. His criminal activities ultimately defined his professional life more than his brief stint in the boxing world.

Jamie Kavanagh is an Irish professional boxer from Dublin who is signed with Golden Boy Promotions. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the boxing world, showcasing his skills and determination in various fights. Kavanagh's career has been marked by impressive performances and victories, solidifying his reputation as a talented athlete. With his dedication to the sport and strategic approach to matches, Kavanagh continues to make a name for himself in the boxing industry, earning respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Jason Quigley is an accomplished Irish professional boxer who has made a name for himself in the sport. He has competed at both regional and world levels, having held titles such as the WBC-NABF middleweight title and the WBO-NABO middleweight title. In November 2021, he challenged for the WBO middleweight title, showcasing his skills and determination in the ring. Throughout his career, Quigley has demonstrated his talent, perseverance, and ambition to succeed as a top contender in the boxing world.

Bernard Dunne had a successful career as a professional boxer, winning the WBA (Regular) and European Super Bantamweight championships. He achieved a notable victory in 2009 against Ricardo Cordoba, earning the title of super bantamweight champion. Despite losing his title later that year, he remained active in the boxing world, retiring in 2010. Dunne's contributions to the sport were further highlighted by the release of his biography and his role as an analyst during the 2012 Olympics boxing coverage.

Jimmy McLarnin was a legendary Irish professional boxer who achieved great success in the welterweight division, becoming a two-time world champion. Known for his exceptional skills and resilience in the ring, McLarnin is considered one of the greatest boxers in Irish history. His impressive career earned him a well-deserved spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. BoxRec ranks him as the second-best pound-for-pound fighter of all time, solidifying his legacy as a true icon in the sport of boxing.

John Joe Nevin is a highly accomplished Irish professional boxer with a successful career in the sport. Known for his impressive skills and determination, Nevin has represented Ireland as a two-time Olympian, achieving a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional talent, resilience, and sportsmanship, earning the respect of fans and fellow athletes alike. Nevin's dedication to his craft and consistent success in the ring have solidified his reputation as a top contender in the boxing world.

Darren Sutherland was a promising Irish professional boxer known for his exceptional talent and dedication. After a successful amateur career highlighted by an Olympic bronze medal in 2008, he transitioned to the professional circuit with high hopes. Sutherland quickly made a name for himself with his skillful boxing style and impressive performances in the ring. Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, he continued to showcase his passion for the sport and left a lasting impact on the boxing community.

John Fury is an accomplished boxing cornerman and former professional boxer with experience in bare-knuckle fighting. He is recognized for his expertise in the sport and his contributions to the careers of various boxers. Fury has established himself as a respected figure in the boxing world, known for his skills and knowledge both inside and outside of the ring. His professional journey has been marked by achievements and successes that have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the boxing community.

Joseph Duffy is an Irish retired mixed martial artist known for competing in the lightweight division of the UFC. He began his professional career in 2008, having also fought in Cage Warriors and appeared on The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Notably, Duffy is a former professional boxer as well. One of the highlights of his career is a significant victory over Conor McGregor, who was the UFC lightweight and featherweight double-champion at the time. Duffy has made a lasting impact in the world of MMA.

Kenneth Egan is an accomplished Irish boxer and politician hailing from Clondalkin, Dublin. Known for his success in boxing, he won a silver medal in the 81 kg Light-Heavyweight final at the 2008 Olympics, as well as European Gold and Bronze Medals in various competitions. Transitioning to politics, he was elected to South Dublin County Council for Fine Gael in the 2014 local elections. Egan's professional journey showcases his dedication to both sports and public service, making him a respected figure in Ireland.