hero ?

[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.