Barry McGuigan, in Retrospect

Barry’s Career was plagued with bad management, substitute opponents, and weight making problems. He wanted to move up after the Cabrera fight (a substitute) to fight Gomez, but his manager wanted him in Vegas so he could promote his new charge Herol Graham as a potential opponent for Hagler. So with a perforated eardrum and a sprained ankle, he had to fight in that heat against, yet another sub opponent with a completely different style, and who had been in training for a rematch against a come-forward fighter.
McGuigan was also a pretty much self trained fighter, as the one appointed wasn’t up to scratch, and he longed for the times Teddy Atlas was around.

 

Barry was a very good and exciting fighter. That left hook to the body in particular was sublime. Just a shade below the great feathers.

 

Hi Stevie.
I agree with your appraisal of McGuigan, a very good British and European fighter, and a fairly good champ, pity him and Hodkinson didn't collide, would have been a very exciting fight.
stay safe buddy.

 

He is Irish, born in Clones, County Monaghan in the province of Ulster, in the Irish Republic, same hometown as Tyson conqueror, Kevin Mc Bride.

He lived in England for a few years and became a UK citizen as well.

 

Hi Mike. Now that would have been a fight and a half! You stay safe too.

 

Was Fernando Sosa the original designated opponent?

 

His corner in the Cruz fight nearly killed him. Way too hot for an Irishman fighting 15 rounds...and the didn't give him any water to drink!

 

Yes. Eastwood kept choosing him because he wasn’t a big puncher, but was tough and would last a few rounds, so McGuigan would look good to America.
He never really thought much of Barry, but knew he was marketable.