Luck of the Irish

Welcome back to the World of Fighting series.

In this segment I will be covering famous fighters (mostly Boxers) from the Emerald Isle.

Some from the past, some from the present, either way go grab yourself a pint of Guinness, dress up in your favorite shade of green and get yourself ready for the fights of the Irish.

Dan Donnelly

The first Irish boxer never wanted to be a fighter, but he did so and became a legend.

The story of how he became a boxer is debated, but most people agree that he became famous for his fighting after aiding local women and men when they were robbed and beaten.

The Champion Boxer from Dublin (Donnelly's hometown) heard of his exploits and challenged him to a fight despite Donnelly's reluctance to want to fight.

Donnelly beat the local champ and afterwards his exploits as a fighter became well-known throughout Ireland and later England.

Sadly, after his last fight in 1819, he devolved into an excess drinking, gambling and womanizing, with his death in 1820.

Despite this, he managed to be an inspiration to many people Ireland, so much so that after his death his served right arm was and still is on display in the Hideout Pub, Kilcullen in County Kildare. (1)

John Morrissey

Born in Ireland, but raised in New York, this future U.S. Senator/Congressman, started out with the rough life like many Irish immigrants on American soil.

His claim to fame as a boxer began when he fought against Englishmen George. His second fight was against Thompson, which he won because of how Morissey fans proved intimidating.

Morissey then went on to fight Yankee Sullivan and John C. (Benicia Boy) Heenan.

After his defeat by Heenan, he retired from boxing, and then opened up a race-track/gambling house in Saratoga Springs. He ran for two terms in Congress and two terms in the Senate, before his untimely death in 1878. (2)

Mike McTigue

One of the great champions of boxing in the 20th century.

The Light Heavyweight Champion from 1923 to 1925 was born in Kilnamona County, Claire, Ireland and moved to New York when he was 21 years old.

His first fight was against Barney "Battling Levinsky" Lebrowitz and became his first big win.

He got his title of World Light Heavyweight Championship when he won his fight against the Senegalese fighter Louis Phal also known as the "Battle Siki".

Sadly, Mike lost his title to Paul Berlenbach, but was able to get a rematch in 1927.

He would continue Boxing until he was 38 and then he would hang up the gloves for good. He died on August 12, 1966 at the age of 73. He left behind a wife and two daughters.

Katie Taylor

This famous female Boxer and former Footballer (or as we call it in the USA Soccer) Hails from Bray, Ireland.

She is currently the undisputed WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF Lightweight Champion.

She is currently at 15 wins and 6 KO's. She has yet to have a loss on her record, but you never know when that will happen. (4)

Connor "Notorious" McGregor

How can this guy not be familiar to any of you fight fans out there?

Born in Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland, on July 14, 1988, this founder of Proper 12 Whiskey (which is very good in my opinion) has had 22 wins and only four losses.

This fiery redhead of a fighter has been married to Dee Devlin since 2008 and has one child named Connor Jack McGregor Jr.

Conclusion

There are many more proud sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle that have engaged in the proud sport that is Boxing.

There are just too many to cover.

At least for now....

(1) https://mmamicks.com/dan-donnelly-bare-knuckle-heavyweight-champion/

(2) http://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/pioneer/morrissey.html

(3) http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/people/mike_mactigue.htm

(4) https://www.womenboxing.com/biog/ktaylor.htm

(5) https://sportytell.com/boxing/conor-mcgregor-biography-facts-childhood-net-worth-life/

https://blog.ringside.com/ireland-boxing/

https://alchetron.com/Dan-Donnelly-(boxer)

http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/morrisey.htm

https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/11287

https://www.matchroomboxing.com/boxers/katie-taylor/

https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Conor-McGregor-29688