This Month In Boxing History: McGuigan vs. McDonnell

By Lee Bellfield May 28th, 2009 All Boxing Articles

It was May, 1989 and "The Clones Cyclone", Barry McGuigan, was approaching the fourth fight on a comeback trail that had begun just over a year earlier.

After a year long run as World Featherweight Champion the Irishman lost his title in the horrible heat of Las Vegas, Nevada in June, 1986 against late replacement Stevie Cruz.

Contractual difficulties would follow and many doubted that McGuigan would fight again after such a devastating defeat. However, under new promoter Frank Warren, McGuigan would resurface at the higher super featherweight limit.

In April, 1988, the McGuigan comeback was underway as he battered Nicky Perez to submission in four rounds in London. Two more comeback wins would follow before big money was on the table for him to fight the less publicised Londoner Jim McDonnell.

McDonnell, like McGuigan, campaigned as a featherweight early in his career winning the European title in 1985. A unsuccessful world title attempt at super featherweight would follow in 1988, losing on points to the classy South African Brian Mitchell.

Like McGuigan, McDonnell would comeback from this defeat under a new promoter, Barry Hearn.

The titlists at super featherweight in 1989 were Tony Lopez, Brian Mitchell and Azumah Nelson. Many were tipping McGuigan at this time to challenge one of these champions. More...

Boxing Perspective: Barry McGuigan vs. Azumah Nelson?

By Lee Bellfield May 6th, 2008 All Boxing Articles

Let's turn the clock back to 1985 in order to consider what could have been a legendary fight between Barry McGuigan and Azumah Nelson.

Both men were riding high in the featherweight division. McGuigan, on an emotional night in London, had defeated the great Panamanian Euesbio Pedroza and had cemented that win with a solid eight round victory over tough American Bernard Taylor.

As for Nelson, he became a World Champion at the second time of asking by defeating the great Wilfedo Gomez in 11 rounds in 1984. He ended the following year with a second successful defence against Briton Pat Cowdell with a swift one round knockout to close 1985.

After months of being called out by Nelson, "The Clones Cyclone" Barry McGuigan agreed to put his WBA version of the championship on the line against The Professor's WBC honours.

The fight was signed to take place at the Caesars Palace Sports Pavillion on 25 February, 1986. It would be a fight that Ring Magazine would vote Fight of the Year.

Despite the goading by Nelson, it was obvious that the African had a high amount of respect for his Irish opponent.

This was highlighted in the opening few rounds when Nelson adopted a high guard to offset the constant pressure of his opponent who was three years younger. McGuigan, although setting the pace, was always wary of the African's potent left hook. That fear was realised when McGuigan was caught high on the temple, taking a count in the fifth round. More...