hero ?

[Barlick]

I agree with Fenster, very good fighter, very poor commentator.

And I'd like to question Barlick about the Irish comment?

Barry McGuigan had a fine career, but hardly one that justifies induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I suggest therefore that his nationality advanced his cause, as the Irish hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans, particularly in the boxing fraternity.

If anyone can suggest another reason, I am all ears.

[donnydarkoIRL]

Well at the risk of repeating myself I will post my opinion again. (Please don't think I was challenging you on the matter Barlick I was merely curious...)

It is my opinion that Barry McGuigan is a justified member of the IBHOF. I have often witnessed boxing fans questioniong Barry's induction and wondering aloud "What has he done to merit this honour?"
It is true that Barry's succesful career is poorly adequate by the gold standards of our Pugilistic Museum, but I feel people forget the other side of boxing's Barry McGuigan.
In my humble opinion, it is not what Barry did in boxing that merits his induction, but how Barry used boxing and indeed how he contributed.
McGuigan was born in Clones, County Monaghan in Ireland. A miiscule town located on the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. More significantly the time in which he was born was referred to as the troubles. More accurately the smouldering remananats of a Civil War in which families were divided, towns torn apart and the country permanently scarred with Guerrilla warfare and assanations.
At this time Irelands two predominant creeds (Protestant and Roman Catholic) went to War, each inflicting heavy damage upon their adversary. The once United country was embroiled in a hatred that still survives to this day.
Barry was raised in the middle of a vicious period of hate and violence and his birthplace ensured he was right in the firing line.
Somehow his career blossomed and in Ireland in the 1970 and 80's the only ceasefire ever to occur between the two bloody enemies was during Barry McGuigan fights. He was Irish, neither Northern or Republican, he was neutral, he used neither national anthem and he was "Ours." an Nickname that survives to this day "Our Barry."
He used his status as an ambassador, not for boxinng, but for peace, he brought a feeling of unity to the country that had never before existed since the British invasion and of course he brought a feeling of Pride to the entire country as he was seen to be right on the border.

Since the completion of his career Barry has promoted boxing without any discrimination and still remains a figure that both religions admire and respect. The day he lost was nearly declared a day of mourning!

Had Barry been a promoter, matchmaker, referee and used his staus to inspire the young and unite the old as he did, in my view he would still get into the IBHOF as boxing's greatest Ambassador.

[telboy66]

Well at the risk of repeating myself I will post my opinion again. (Please don't think I was challenging you on the matter Barlick I was merely curious...)

It is my opinion that Barry McGuigan is a justified member of the IBHOF. I have often witnessed boxing fans questioniong Barry's induction and wondering aloud "What has he done to merit this honour?"
It is true that Barry's succesful career is poorly adequate by the gold standards of our Pugilistic Museum, but I feel people forget the other side of boxing's Barry McGuigan.
In my humble opinion, it is not what Barry did in boxing that merits his induction, but how Barry used boxing and indeed how he contributed.
McGuigan was born in Clones, County Monaghan in Ireland. A miiscule town located on the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. More significantly the time in which he was born was referred to as the troubles. More accurately the smouldering remananats of a Civil War in which families were divided, towns torn apart and the country permanently scarred with Guerrilla warfare and assanations.
At this time Irelands two predominant creeds (Protestant and Roman Catholic) went to War, each inflicting heavy damage upon their adversary. The once United country was embroiled in a hatred that still survives to this day.
Barry was raised in the middle of a vicious period of hate and violence and his birthplace ensured he was right in the firing line.
Somehow his career blossomed and in Ireland in the 1970 and 80's the only ceasefire ever to occur between the two bloody enemies was during Barry McGuigan fights. He was Irish, neither Northern or Republican, he was neutral, he used neither national anthem and he was "Ours." an Nickname that survives to this day "Our Barry."
He used his status as an ambassador, not for boxinng, but for peace, he brought a feeling of unity to the country that had never before existed since the British invasion and of course he brought a feeling of Pride to the entire country as he was seen to be right on the border.

Since the completion of his career Barry has promoted boxing without any discrimination and still remains a figure that both religions admire and respect. The day he lost was nearly declared a day of mourning!

Had Barry been a promoter, matchmaker, referee and used his staus to inspire the young and unite the old as he did, in my view he would still get into the IBHOF as boxing's greatest Ambassador.

Thats a great post donny I agree with you 100% my original post Why barry & not Duke was not meant to be derogatory towards Barry & I feel Barry should be there but in the same light in boxing terms The Duke accomplished far more so why Barry & not Duke.

[donnydarkoIRL]

I know Tellboy, I completely understand. I was by no means being defensive or wound up by anything posted. I just feel that Barry's actual story is relatively unheard of outside of Ireland and deserves to be told.

In all honesty I've argued with my Father over Barry's quality as a fighter (I claimed he was an over-rated, rugged slugger,) but I couldn't possibly argue his quality as a person or representative of the sport of Boxing.

[Scrap]

For a four year period he was a great fighter make no mistake, people only remember the end .

[telboy66]

For a four year period he was a great fighter make no mistake, people only remember the end .

Your spot on there mate & if his management team had done their job a pale skinned Irish lad would not have had to defend his title in blazing sun of a Las Vegas afternoon

[donnydarkoIRL]

Unfortunately Tellboy Barney Eastwood did his job very well...
His job was to make money.
Mr Eastwood as Barry always referred to him owned more Bookies shops in Northern Ireland than anyone else.
Coming into the fight Barry was favourite and the people of Ireland all had their money on him.
It was therefore more profitable for Mr Eastwood that Barry lose.

Barry started well, but for some reason management ordered the corner to stop giving him water after round five.


Mr Eastwood sold his shops today. €180 million Euro's richer now, alongside the killing he made when Barry lost.

[Barlick]

Well at the risk of repeating myself I will post my opinion again. (Please don't think I was challenging you on the matter Barlick I was merely curious...)

It is my opinion that Barry McGuigan is a justified member of the IBHOF. I have often witnessed boxing fans questioniong Barry's induction and wondering aloud "What has he done to merit this honour?"
It is true that Barry's succesful career is poorly adequate by the gold standards of our Pugilistic Museum, but I feel people forget the other side of boxing's Barry McGuigan.
In my humble opinion, it is not what Barry did in boxing that merits his induction, but how Barry used boxing and indeed how he contributed.
McGuigan was born in Clones, County Monaghan in Ireland. A miiscule town located on the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. More significantly the time in which he was born was referred to as the troubles. More accurately the smouldering remananats of a Civil War in which families were divided, towns torn apart and the country permanently scarred with Guerrilla warfare and assanations.
At this time Irelands two predominant creeds (Protestant and Roman Catholic) went to War, each inflicting heavy damage upon their adversary. The once United country was embroiled in a hatred that still survives to this day.
Barry was raised in the middle of a vicious period of hate and violence and his birthplace ensured he was right in the firing line.
Somehow his career blossomed and in Ireland in the 1970 and 80's the only ceasefire ever to occur between the two bloody enemies was during Barry McGuigan fights. He was Irish, neither Northern or Republican, he was neutral, he used neither national anthem and he was "Ours." an Nickname that survives to this day "Our Barry."
He used his status as an ambassador, not for boxinng, but for peace, he brought a feeling of unity to the country that had never before existed since the British invasion and of course he brought a feeling of Pride to the entire country as he was seen to be right on the border.

Since the completion of his career Barry has promoted boxing without any discrimination and still remains a figure that both religions admire and respect. The day he lost was nearly declared a day of mourning!

Had Barry been a promoter, matchmaker, referee and used his staus to inspire the young and unite the old as he did, in my view he would still get into the IBHOF as boxing's greatest Ambassador.

Great stuff, Donny!

You're right, and I will take a less blinkered view of McGuigan's HOF inclusion in future.

[Master]

Remember Dempsey speaking to McKenzie on Sky saying:-

"bet you have never been knocked out?"
Duke said "Yes."
"In a title fight?"
"Yes".
"In the first round?"
"Yes in the first round!"
the look of embarrassment on Dempsey's face was hilarious.