Ireland has a long history in the fight game. Whether it is boxers who have come from Ireland or those who have family lineage from the country, Ireland has made a large impression on the sport. Boxing fans can click here to get the latest promo codes ahead of the weekend’s fight action. The number of past and present Irish boxers raises the question over which Irishman is the best of all-time. From featherweights to bantamweights, Irish fighters have racked up wins in some of the sport’s most memorable bouts. With recent news that famed boxer Carl Frampton wants to extend his fight career, he may end as the country’s greatest of all-time. Until then, where does he rank on the top 5 Irish boxers of all-time list?
Why especially with Collins? He wasn’t the slickest operator, but it’s hands down between he and McCullough as far as who fought the best guys, the two of them certainly are well ahead of the other 3, and Collins was probably more competitive in his losses. Had to google to find out that wasn’t the other Jack Dempsey they have on there, as that had me scratching my head.
Think realistically it could already be Frampton:confused: The Irish fighter I would pick to beat everyone else on the list though, was Mike Perez…
Unpopular opinion , and I hate myself for saying this because I can’t fucking stand Steve Collins, but he beat previous champions in Benn and Eubank TWICE EACH in title fights. I know the old “both fighters were shot†scenario, hell I use it myself most of the time, but you have to be consistent and take emotion out of it.
There’s even a case for Frampton being above McGuigan. 2 weight World Champion and all that.
But let’s be fair , McGuigan won the title on an emotion packed night and fair play to him . But he only successfully defended it twice. Then we have the old “Dehydration†gate against Cruz.
And Let’s be honest, Azumah Nelson would’ve fucking battered him!
Sorry [MENTION=12604]Master[/MENTION], I’m not deliberately being a cunt.
I agree Barry had limited success in the ring. I questioned him getting into the hall of fame a few years back but he is a legend over here for many reasons - have you ever seen the adulation he still gets just walking the streets back home in Ireland ?
I never really rated Collins as an elite boxer but he is without doubt one of toughest fighters I’ve witnessed and I was devastated when he beat Benn twice- but yes Nigel was shot and Collins even acknowledged that in his post fight interview when Benn was getting booed for quitting.
Without checking boxrec I can’t recall recall a massive win for Collins other than Benn and Eubank at end of their careers ??
So in response to the actual thread I have no fucking idea who I’d put first in Irish boxers.
Get why no-one is a Collins fan (I wasn’t either back in the Benn-Eubank-Roy days) but before he beat the faded versions he’d already established himself with McCullum and Kalambay and Thornton and several other champs/contenders, especially in the States.
And he chinned Pyatt in an upset for his title (I remember it as an upset, anyway).
Collins lost to the best fighters in the States which is no shame as they were exceptional fighters and saw an opportunity in the UK which he grabbed with both hands.
Remember he said after beating Pyatt on ITV that he was way bigger and that Chris was just too small.
Collins is a respected dude who can say he competed world class and still gets mentioned with Roy :-X. That may be on Roy, but anyway. Dave McAuley was no slouch.
