Barry McGuigan, in Retrospect

I liked Barry McGuigan a lot, a very determined fighter. He drew up the perfect plan to take down long reigning champion Eusebio Pedroza in London on June 8 1985. He was destined for potential greatness, he had future fights against co champion Azumah Nelson on the horizon. His father used to sing Danny Boy, before each fight. the whole nation of Ireland was very proud of him. But like many before him, he underestimated another challenger, Stevie Cruz.

 

The most disappointing outcome of a career in my lifetime. Heartbreaking. I thought he was made of sterner stuff. But you can't measure heart.

 

Good fighter in the right place at the right time. Beating Laporte, a faded Pedroza, and Taylor is pretty impressive, but not amazing. He'd have had no chance against prime Pedroza.

 

I recorded the the fight on the VCR timer as it was my last assigned Air National Guard drill that Saturday, June 8 1985, I was discharged honorably after 6 years, my full obligation as a Sgt. Barry was sure determined. I watched the full fight with commercials when I got home. I went with my family to Disneyland the next day.

 

I never really rated Mcguigan that highly can't stand him as a man either

 

McGuigan was the real deal.His world level resume is impressive
Even in the most unfavourable circumstances he very nearly beat Cruz...was 3 minutes from victory.

You look at his world level reign...laporte,pedroza,taylor,cabrera,cruz in midday vegas desert...one after the next...this kid had no breathers...no caveman lee type defence...

I think he was finished at that age 25/26 due to his dads death and its impact,his new born child being very ill,problems with shylock Eastwood.

When he did come back he beat 2 fringe contenders but got bested by a non puncher McDonnel he was finished...his skin cut more easily ged become a bleeder and he looked slower

 

Sorry you feel that way about Barry.Many years ago i wrote a letter to him regarding a program on Sky Sports.To my amazement i received a two paged hand written letter reply along with a signed photo.Can`t see many fighters taking the time to do that.
As a fighter he was brilliant albeit for a short period

 

I agree with your summary, the wheels appeared to start to come off against Cabrera .His defence against Cruz, in that heat was stupid.Eastwood was a novice at the boxing game and Mickey Duff advised him early on until Barry was at the top ,at which point Eastwood gave him his marching orders. I only saw Barry live once ,against a Spaniard Eguia? Barry had a terrific left hook to the floating rib area and a big right hand..I don't think he could fight backing up and I would have given the nod to Nelson had they ever fought,but great nights when Barry fought, and he remains a good guy, imo.
NB Pedroza, never the most observant of the rules,showed the heart and courage of a champion going down to defeat against Barry

 

I think he had great defensive head movement and foundamentals with fast hands.

That's a great story Noel, I hope you kept the letter. I always got the feeling that Barry was a real genuine bloke and I grew on his commentary, which always gave decent insight.

 

Thanks Charles and yes still got the letter and photo

 

I can’t really much more than has been written here. Shame his prime was so short but he had a lot going on and he did squeeze a lot of quality into a short period. LaPorte performance was great, Pedroza win was iconic and though he lost, the Cruz fight was a classic and the Taylor defense was also a superb victory.

I read his autobiography a while back and enjoyed it. I’ve always felt he came across as a top guy.

 

With hindsight the Pedroza fight was the end of his prime. His defences did not show the fire of the previous year/18 months. Even against Taylor he struggled with a weight drained fighter for a number of rounds.


I think he was going through a lot of personal problems at the time, and it clearly affected his performances. When he came back there seemed a little of the fire had returned against Perez and da Cruz, but the hard albeit short career had caught up with him and the Miranda fight was just ugly.


Although I got caught in the hype and thought he would win, I guess the McDonnell fight was just a payday for Barry, as the fight played out he clearly was not interested.

 

One of my favorite fighters of that time period. There was even a book out at the time called Leave the fighting to McGuigan. Still have it. I dont know what happened to him I honestly think he couldnt get over his Fathet passing away at the time. Then there was the massive problems with his promoter also. Good technical pressure boxer puncher . Along with Mancini he also gets thrown under the bus alot.