Tales from the Ring: Recent Episodes
James Magee
This is a podcast for Irish boxing fans. Each episode I will sit down with a former boxer or trainer to talk about the highs and lows of their journey in and out of the ring.
Paul Quinn and I debate our Top 10 Knockouts ever. We cover a range of fighters from different countries, divisions and decades. It's fair to say this list will be one that all boxing fan's will have their own opinion on. Do you agree with our selections? Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Paul Quinn and I chat about some of the main talking points from boxing over this past month or so. We preview the massive Wembley card happening this week featuring Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois and Anto Cacace v Josh Warrington and give our fight predictions for the entire card. We also review TJ Doheny's recent unsuccessful challenge for the undisputed Super-Bantamweight title against Naoya Inoue as well as Canelo Alvarez's win over Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas this past weekend.
On the 30th anniversary of the Commonwealth Games which were held in Canada, I review the amazing achievements of the Northern Ireland boxing team back in 1994. I discuss the team members and their path to those games. I also rewind back to the Ulster championships that year to see who would be selected for the team. Some of the great names featured include; Neil Sinclair, Jim Webb, Mark Winters, Martin Reneghan, Damean Kelly and many more. At the games itself, an 11 strong team would come back with 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals. I also talk about what each boxer did afterwards including some amazing successes in the professional ranks. If there are any other past championships you think would be good to cover in future episodes, please let me know.
Paul Quinn and I debate our Top 10 boxers who failed to reach their full potential in the sport. We cover a range of fighters from different countries, divisions and decades. It's fair to say this list will be one that all boxing fan's will have their own opinion on. Do you agree with our selections? Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Just an update video to all listeners and subscribers regarding the podcast subscriptions. Thanks so much to everyone that subscribed over the past 8 months.
Paul Quinn and I chat all things boxing from the past month. We discuss the recent boxing shows featuring Irish boxers including Stevie McKenna's unreal slugfest on Sky Sports. We also talk about the explosive night at the SSE this past weekend which featured Tyrone McKenna topping the bill. The Olympic Games has been one of the most controversial ever for boxing. We talk about the Irish teams performance and the recent gender debate on social media surrounding the Algerian female boxer. Finally, we chat about some of the biggest fights in world boxing over the past month including Terence Crawford's recent victory to become a 4 weight world champion.
Paul Quinn and I debate our top 10 Irish boxers from our era of watching boxing. We go in depth about each boxer and their achievements. We cover boxers from different decades and debate who is the greatest boxer of all from our era. I wonder how many boxers featured you will agree with.
Paul Quinn and I debate our Top 10 favourite fights ever. We cover a range of fighters from different countries, divisions and decades. It's fair to say this list will be one that all boxing fan's will have their own opinion on. Do you agree with our selections? Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Wayne Alexander is a former British, European and WBU world champion. He grew up in Croydon, England and would go on to have a very successful amateur career. He talks about the highs of those early days, winning national titles including the 1994 Senior ABA title. He also had the disappointment of missing out on the Commonwealth Games in 1994 which still hurts him 30 years on. Wayne turned professional in 1995 and would soon build up an unbeaten record before winning the British title in one of the fights of the year against Paul Samuel’s. Wayne talks about stepping up at only 24 hours notice to challenge unsuccessfully for the WBO world title against undefeated Harry Simon in 2001. He would soon bounce back to defend his British title and add the European title a year later. Wayne would then go through a difficult spell when he would lose unexpectedly to Delroy Mellis in 2003 and would soon make a change in order to continue to win titles. In 2004 he would move stables to John Breen’s Belfast gym and would face a massive domestic showdown with Takaloo for the WBU world title. Wayne would train like a man possessed and would go on to have one of the greatest knockout victories in British boxing history to claim the title. He also opens up about ending his pro career and how life has been since retirement. Wayne is a fighter that has certainly left his mark on the sport and will be remembered as a true warrior.
Paul Quinn and I debate our Top 10 punchers ever in boxing history. We cover a range of fighters from different countries, divisions and decades. It's fair to say this list will be one that all boxing fan's will have their own opinion on. Do you agree with our selections? Have a listen and letus know.
Padraig McCrory grew up in St. James' in West Belfast. After starting boxing around 15 years of age, he would have success winning various Antrim and Ulster titles before taking a gap in his 20's of 4 years. After deciding one Christmas to give boxing another go at the upcoming Ulster Senior championships, he would go on to win that title a month later. After missing out on the Commonwealth Games later that year, he would decide at 28 years of age to go professional.Padraig took to the pro game like a duck to water and would soon go undefeated in 8 fights. He would then win the BUI Celtic title, defeating Steve Collins Jr before adding the WBC International title in 2021. Padraig was then given the unexpected opportunity to move up in weight and challenge undefeated Leon Bunn in Frankfurt, Germany for the IBO world Light-Heavyweight title in late 2022. Padraig would give a career best performance to stop Bunn in 6 one sided rounds. Massive celebrations took place back home on his arrival when he arrived home to St. James' with the belt.Padraig then decided to move back down in weight to his more natural Super-Middleweight and remain unbeaten before taking a big step up in February this year when facing Edgar Berlanga in Florida, USA. Padraig battled bravely but came up short against the very talented Berlanga. He talks about coming to terms with the disappointment of this defeat. Padraig talks about his plans for the future both inside and outside of the ring. Could a comeback be on the cards? He has also recently started to manager boxers under "Hammer boxing" and he hopes to pass on his own experiences to look after these fighters in the future.
Owen O’Neill is currently undefeated in 13 professional contests. He had a relatively short amateur career contesting 18 fights in total. Owen talks about the highs of his short amateur career, representing Antrim in various countries and the lows of losing close finals and failing to win an amateur title. He turned professional in 2019 under the radar and soon racked up early wins in front of his big fan base. He would then win his first boxing title in 2022 after a fight of the year contender and knockout of the year against Owen Duffy to claim the BUI Celtic title. Since then he has continued to win, but has had difficult times outside of the ring. Owen talks about losing his beloved Granny last year and how this loss impacted him when missing weight for his Irish title fight against Declan Geraghty. After this disappointment, he is now rebuilding under new trainer, Dan Anderson and manager, Padraig McCrory. The North Belfast man also talks about his love for Cliftonville football club as well as stories about sparring Chris Eubank Jr and much more.
Paul Quinn and I debate the top 10 boxers of the modern era (1990-present). We cover a range of fighters from different countries, divisions and decades. It's fair to say this list will be one that all boxing fan's will have their own opinion on. Do you agree with our selections? Have a listen and let us know.
Brandon McCarthy is a Kilkenny boxer that had a fantastic amateur career. He won an amazing 16 Irish national titles from Boy 1 all the way to Elite level. He also represented Ireland at multiple European and World championships and won a silver medal at the European schoolboy championships in Russia. His aim was to reach this years Olympic Games in Paris, but an eye injury ended this dream. He has now moved across to the professional scene and has won his first pro contest back in March. He is wanting to stay very active and move into title contention soon. Something tells me the future is very bright for Brandon.
Eamonn Magee grew up in Ardoyne during the height of the troubles. He was the youngest of 4 boys who would all find their safe place in Sacred Heart ABC. Eamonn was a real talent as an amateur winning 10 Irish titles as well as multiple multi-nation gold medals. He also claimed a silver medal at the World junior championships in Puerto Rico, 1989. Eamonn talks about his disappointment at missing out on the Barcelona Olympics and how he began to go off the rails with drink. Eamonn talks about being shot in the leg by the IRA and how he would win his 2nd Irish senior title just weeks afterwards. We then discuss his professional career which included a Commonwealth title and 5 defences against quality fighters such as Shea Neary, Jon Thaxton and Paul Burke. He would go on to challenge for his first world title in Manchester back in 2002 against the rising star of British boxing, Ricky Hatton. He would be the first man to floor Hatton and push him all the way in a close decision defeat. Eamonn talks about bouncing back to achieve his dream when winning the WBU world title in Cardiff in 2003. Weeks later he would become the victim of an attack when he was beaten with baseball bats and would be left with horrific injuries and face over a year out of the ring. We also discuss the end of his boxing career, moving into coaching with John Breen and having great success during this time as a team. In recent years, there have been very dark times with the awful murder of his son, Eamonn Jr in 2015. His battles with addiction have also followed Eamonn throughout his life. Back in 2018 his book ‘The Lost Soul of Eamonn Magee’ would become a huge success winning multiple awards. Eamonn talks about plans for a documentary and movie in the future. Hopefully there will be many more chapters to his story.
Tommy Hyde is currently undefeated in 8 professional contests. He was a very successful amateur boxer, winning 3 Irish titles. He is also the son of Gary Hyde who famously managed the great Guillermo Rigondeaux amongst many other champions. Tommy has been present at massive world title fights since a young age with his father and met some of the greats of the sport. The Cork native turned professional in 2022 and has recently claimed the BUI Celtic Super-Middleweight title and has an upcoming fight in June. He is looking towards an Irish title fight later this year. Tommy talks about his journey to date and his ambitions for the future.
Current Celtic and Commonwealth Silver Flyweight champion, Conor Quinn chats to me about his boxing journey to date. The former Clonard ABC boxer won 7 Irish titles as an amateur and represented Ireland around the world at senior level. Conor decided to move across the world to Australia in 2019 to turn professional and would win his first 2 pro contests before COVID struck. A move back home was soon on the cards in 2021. Under new manager, Mark Dunlop plans were in place to unleash Conor to his home fans before disaster struck. Conor failed a routine brain scan after tests discovered he had had a stroke without ever knowing. After months of tests, he was told a hole in his heart was the reason for this and immediate surgery was needed. Conor would come through this ordeal and finally begin the next chapter in his professional career. He is now undefeated in 10 contests and has recently signed a promotional deal with Frank Warren’s, Queensbury promotions. Big title fights will hopefully be on the horizon in 2024 and beyond.
Kaci Rock chats to me about how she got started in boxing at only 6 years of age. Kaci is the daughter of Irish boxing legend, Jim Rock and its fair to say he was not all for her getting into boxing initially. When it was clear boxing was not just a faze and she had the minerals to become a fighter, he is now of course her biggest supporter. Kaci also chats about the early days as an amateur and how Katie Taylor was always a big inspiration, even giving her some old boxing gear to use from time to time. Kaci eventually started to see her hard work pay off and would go on to win 7 Irish titles at various levels. She would win an Irish elite title in 2021 and then claim a European bronze medal at the U22 championships in 2022. Kaci has recently just missed out on being selected for the Olympic qualifiers in 2024 and talks about her plans for the future. Outside of boxing Kaci is not your typical boxer. She has various other interests and is balancing her studies at university alongside her boxing career. Something tells me we might be hearing more from Kaci both inside and outside of the ring.
Stephen Haughian chats to me about growing up in Lurgan and his start in amatuer boxing. We discuss his early days at the famous John Breen gym in Belfast training along side the many champions in the gym including Neil Sinclair, Eamonn Magee, Jim Rock and Paul McCloskey. We focus on some of his title fights including the very controversial points defeat to Giammario Grassellini for the IBF International title as well as the defeat to Kevin McIntyre for the Celtic title. Stephen also talks about his joy at finally winning an Irish title in front of his home fans in 2009. Stephen explains his reasons for walking away from boxing 3 years later at only 28 years of age with a record of 21-3-1 after becoming disillusioned with the sport. We finally find out how life has been since he retired from professional boxing.
Luke chats to me about growing up in Dublin and how he got started in boxing. We talk about his amateur days mixing with some great boxers from that era in the Irish Middleweight division. Luke was able to balance his boxing career with his education as he would go to university and become a qualified engineer. He would later turn professional at 26 and after winning fights early on, would have a set back after losing a WBC International contest to Tom Doran. Luke would bounce back and go on a great run winning Irish, Celtic and WBO European titles. Great victories against Conrad Cummings and Luis Arias would set up the opportunity to challenge for the WBO world title in America. Luke would come up short against the quality, Demetrius Andrade in Miami after putting up a brave performance. After a 3 year break from the ring, he is now fresh off a victory and at 36 feels there is still something left. Luke is now preparing for his next fight on March 16th in Galway and is hoping for one last big fight before the career is done.
Ray Moylette chats to me about his start in boxing growing up in County Mayo. We go through his illustrious amateur career which included countless Irish titles at various levels. We chat about the massive highs points of claiming gold medals at the World Youth and European senior championships. We also talk about some of the difficult times that followed these successes. Ray has boxed professional since 2017 winning 13 contests , but it’s fair to say there have been frustrating times on this journey. Ray is now determined to have one last dance and is fully focused on an upcoming fight in front of his home fans on St. Patrick’s day. The final chapter of Ray’s boxing career is yet to be written.
Donagh Keary chats to me about his boxing journey to date. The Rathfriland ABC boxer has won 3 Irish titles including the Irish senior and U-22 titles in 2023. He is fresh off representing Ireland at the European championships in Montenegro and has his sights set on major medals in the future. We chat about sparring professional world champions at the Wildcard gym in America as well as which fighters are his favourites to watch. Donagh also tells me his immediate plans for 2024. Something tells me this will not be the last we hear from Donagh.
Paul Griffin is one of Ireland’s greatest amateur boxers ever. The former European senior champion talks me through his boxing journey. We chat about his early days at Drimnagh ABC and how he progressed to win an unbelievable 12 Irish national titles at every level. We focus on his success at the European championships in 1991 and 1993 where he would win gold and bronze medals respectively. Paul also talks about his Olympic disappointment in Barcelona back in 1992. He would then go on to box 30 times as a professional boxer including countless contests in Australia and win 25 contests. Paul also opens up about his problems with addiction and mental health over the years. Paul is someone that has shown great resilience and is proving to be a fighter both inside and outside of the ring.
Niall Kennedy is a former amateur and professional boxer from County Wexford. He had a very successful amateur career winning countless Leinster titles as well as the Irish Intermediate title. He was also an Irish elite finalist in 2013 and boxed in a great era of super-heavyweights in Ireland. Niall has worked as a police officer in the Garda for many years and won gold medals in tournaments around the world including the World Police and Fire Games. Niall turned professional at 31 years of age with his coach, Pascal Collins in 2015 and enjoyed early success on the east coast of America. He would claim US State titles in Massachusetts and New England against good opposition and would at one stage remain undefeated in 14 contests. Niall opens up about how he had to overcome prefight nerves and bipolar disorder during his career and how two defeats at the end of his career were hard to overcome. A devastating failed brain scan would signal the end of Niall's career in 2020 and his mental health would suffer for a time. Niall is now a mental health activist and has recently launched the program "NBK Survival Training". This program uses group training and open speech presentations to facilitate people with the tools and knowledge which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being. Listen to Niall's journey to date on this weeks podcast.
Sean Magee chats to me about his boxing career. Sean boxed for 20 years as an amateur at Ligoniel ABC and had great success in Antrim and Ulster picking up multiple titles at various levels. Sean also boxed some great fighters who went on to win big titles at amateur and professional level such as, Tyrone McKenna, Paddy Gallagher, Paul Hyland and Sean Duffy. Sean speaks about his decision to turn professional quite late on and how it was something he always wanted to do for himself as well as his dad who was a big inspiration throughout his career. We also hear some great stories about sparring some of the best boxers in Irish boxing such as Carl Frampton and Katie Taylor.
In this episode, we cover the many title fights of Jim's professional career. From winning 4 Irish professional titles at 4 different weights, challenging for the WBU world title in a great fight against Takaloo in Belfast to winning the IBC version of the world title that was once held by the great, Sugar Ray Leonard. Jim also talks about helping Hollywood superstar, Matthew McConaughey prepare for a film role which included sparring him in Mountjoy Prison in front of the inmates. We also talk about how life is now without boxing and how the family name is being carried on by his daughter, Kaci's extremely successful amateur career.
“Fearless” Feargal McCrory chats to me this week about his boxing career to date. As an amateur he won 4 Irish titles with Clonoe ABC under head coach, Frank Gervin and represented Ireland at the European schoolboy championships in Ukraine. Feargal explains how professional boxing was always his main goal and how John Breen and Eamonn Magee have been huge influences in his career. The professional career has been a rollercoaster ride, from winning the Irish professional title to having nearly 3 years out of the ring due to the pandemic and inactivity. Feargal has recently relocated to Brooklyn, NY in order to pursue his pro career. He has now won 4 fights stateside including just weeks ago at the famous Madison Square Garden. Feargal now heads into 2024 with a perfect 15-0 record and is looking at winning titles very soon.
In part 1, Jim talks to me about his upbringing and his amateur boxing journey. Jim was never shy in turning down a ‘straightener’ on the streets growing up and this soon transcended into a very successful amateur career in which he won 5 Irish titles. We chat about some of the troubles he had outside of the ring as a young man including spending some time in prison, being stabbed and even shot twice. Jim’s next move was into professional boxing which would see him train in Belfast under John Breen. The ‘Pink Panther’ would soon be making his way in the pro game moving towards titles. Jim also explains how he had other business interests outside of the ring and how his love of boxing and goal of winning a belt would push him on to succeed. This really is a story not to be missed.
In this episode, Oisin Fagan tells his very unique boxing story. After having a successful amateur football career in Ireland, he would be offered the opportunity to move to Oklahoma, USA on a soccer scholarship. After getting his degree he would fall on some hard times which included having to sleep in the back of his car. He would then turn to professional boxing at 30 years of age to make some money. He would gradually begin to see success and claim the Oklahoma State title before returning home to capture the Irish Lightweight title at the National Stadium. Oisin would go on to share the ring with 3 world champions, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Paul Spadadora and Amir Khan. Oisin never lacked heart and achieved a lot in a short space of time. He is now giving back to the youth by coaching boxing in schools with the IABA.
Roy Nash talks to me about his journey to becoming one of Irelands greatest amateur boxers of the 1980/90’s. Roy chats about his 7 Irish senior finals against fighters such as, John Lowey, Phillip Sutcliffe, Paul Griffin and Paul Ireland. We discuss his famous victory over the legendary, Johnny Tapia in front of his own fans at the Guild Hall, Derry. We also chat about his Commonwealth silver medal in 1986, as well as his famous victories over 2 Cuban opponents on the same weekend.
Crawford Ashley is one of Britains best Light-Heavyweight champions of modern times. He is a former British, Commonwealth and European champion. He fought 7 world champions in his career and fought for 3 world titles at 3 different weights. In this episode, Crawford opens up about some tough times during his school days in the 1970's. His amateur career was glittered with titles at British schoolboy and junior level, yet he never got the recognition from the English selectors to represent his country. We go in depth about his professional career including his days in Belfast as part of that successful Eastwoods stable during the early 1990's. Crawford tells stories of training with some of the best fighters in the world, taking fights at short notice and how he became disillusioned with his management at the time. His world title contests against great fighters, Michael Nunn and Virgil Hill are discussed, as well as his domestic dust ups with Nicky Piper, Jimmy Peters and Clinton Woods amongst others. I find out how difficult life has been for Crawford since retirement and how an almost deadly motorbike accident changed his path in life. Crawford now has the love for boxing back as his son, Theo embarks on his own boxing journey. Crawford speaks from the heart and doesn't shy away from telling it how he see's it. This is an episode not to be missed.
Tony Currie was a successful amateur boxer from Belfast who boxed for St. Agnes boxing club. He would win Ulster and Irish senior titles at both Middleweight and Heavyweight during his career. He would represent Ireland and was controversially not included in the 1992 Irish Olympic qualifying team. Since retiring, he has become a very talented artist and has gone on to become a sculptor. He recently made the George Best statue at Windsor Park, Belfast. In this episode, we find out about the journey both inside and outside the ring.
Brendan Lowe was a very successful amateur boxer, firstly in Canada winning 2 national titles. He then moved back home to Belfast and began his senior career. He would go on to win Ulster and Irish senior titles, represent Ireland and pick up a Commonwealth bronze medal in 1986. He would retire from boxing at only 22 years of age after falling out of love with the sport. Brendan has also come through a lot of obstacles since his retirement from boxing. He opens up about his own personal family loss to suicide and his own struggles with mental health. He explains how he has managed to overcome his own addictions with the help of others and key organisations. Brendan is now giving back through his work with suicide awareness charities. Brendan’s story is an inspiring one and demonstrates he has a champions heart both inside and outside of the ring.
Damien chats to me about his boxing journey, starting of as a young amateur boxer in Lisburn. We go through some of his major contests in the Ulster and Irish senior championships, as well as Commonwealth, European and World championship. We then discuss Damien’s professional career and the highs and lows of that journey. We also talk about the opportunity he was given to train and work alongside the great, Daniel Day Lewis in the film ‘The Boxer’.
In this episode, we discuss Wayne’s world championships contests beginning with his WBC Bantamweight title win away in Japan against reigning champion, Yasuei Yakushiji. Wayne then goes into detail about his battles with world champions, Daniel Zaragoza, Naseem Hamed, Erik Morales and many more. We also discuss his move into coaching and even the possibility of an exhibition with Carl Frampton in the future.
I chat to Irish boxing legend, Wayne ‘pocket rocket’ McCullough about his amazing career. In episode 1, we focus on the amateur career in Ireland and his success at Commonwealth and Olympic Games. We also talk about his transition to professional boxing and moving to the United States. He would have a quick rise in the pro game would get himself to number 1 contender for the world championship within 13 fights.
In this episode, I look back at the amazing battle between Bernard Dunne and Ricardo Cordoba at the Point Arena in Dublin 2009. The pair had one of the greatest ever fights held in an Irish ring for the WBA Super-Bantamweight title.
In this epidsode, I look back at 2002 WBU Light-Welterweight contest between Ricky Hatton and Eamonn Magee. The highly anticipated fight was one of the biggest fights of that year and was billed 'Anarchy in the UK'. I talk about my own memories of the fight and why I feel it is an Irish boxing fight to remember.
In the season 1 finale of the podcast, I sit down with two Larne boxing legends. Dave boy McAuley is one of Irelands greatest ever boxers. He was a top amateur and went on to win British and IBF world titles in his pro career. He defended his world title 6 times and had some classic battles with world champions Fidel Bassa, Duke McKenzie and Rodolfo Blanco. Roy Webb was a fantastic amateur boxer winning multiple Irish and Ulster elite titles. He also won a silver medal at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane before turning professional with Barney Eastwood and having a successful pro career.
Mark Ginley sits down to tell me his very unique boxing journey. He started of as a successful amateur boxer at Oliver Plunkett ABC in Belfast, before turning professional and winning 4 of his 5 contests. After retiring at 22 years of age he then moved into promoting and managing boxers. More recently, he has started his own gym business with his brother, Ray.
In this episode, Neil takes us through the journey to challenging for the world title and becoming British & Irish champion. We go into depth about the 3 defences he made to win the Lonsdale belt outright and find out how he is staying involved in the sport today.
Neil talks me through how he got started in boxing and progressed as an amateur boxer at Monkstown ABC. We focus on his World Junior Bronze medal in 1992 and the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 1994. Neil then explains his decision to turn professional and the obstacles he had to overcome early on in his career.
Joe chats to me about his journey to qualify for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. We discuss how his career ended, as well as what he is now doing to stay involved in the sport.
Joe Lowe talks to me about his boxing journey. We discuss how he began his boxing career in Canada and how he eventually became a decorated senior boxer in Ireland. We also discuss some of the major tournaments he competed in and the world class opponents he faced along the way.
I speak to current Irish coach of the year, Dee Walsh about his boxing career to date. We talk about his own journey as an amateur boxer, as well as his professional career. Dee opens up about why he retired so young at the height of his pro career and explains how he has transitioned to becoming a top coach. We also talk about his current stable of champions and what his goals are for the future.
In this episode Stephen chats to me about his bronze medal success at the world senior championships in Budapest in 1997. We also discuss his career ending due to medical reasons and how he coped with this, and what he has been doing since retirement.
Stephen Kirk chats to me about his journey in boxing. We begin with him joining Cairn Lodge ABC and how he developed to become a champion in Ireland and abroad. This episode culminates with his victory at the Commonwealth championships in South Africa in 1996.
Conrad Cummings takes me through his boxing journey. We go in depth about his amateur career, fighting in the WSB as well as turning professional and twice winning WBO European titles. Conrad also goes in depth about some low points in his career and explains what he is now doing as a retired fighter.
In part 2, Ryan Lindberg talks me through his journey as a senior boxer. We discuss his Irish elite title win in 2007, representing Ireland at the World senior championships as well as winning numerous multi-nations medals. Ryan also details his decision to retire from boxing at only 23 years of age and what he is up to now.
Ryan Lindberg talks to me about his journey as a young amateur boxer at Immaculata ABC in Belfast. We go through his early career and successes which lead up to him representing Northern Ireland at the 2006 Commonwealth games in Melbourne, Australia. In this episode we go through his contests against fighters such as Carl Frampton, Scott Quigg, Paddy Barnes and Jamie Conlan.
Patrick Magee sits down to talk to me about his journey in boxing, starting of as a successful amateur at Sacred Heart ABC in Belfast. Patrick is one of four brothers from Ardoyne to box, and his story has many highs and some low points thrown in. Patrick has been a coach at Ligoneil boxing club for over 2O years and has coached many champions including his own 3 sons. We also talk about him being in his brother, Eamonn's corner for many of his championship fights and how life is now.
In episode 2, Paul talks me through his professional boxing career. Beginning with moving to London to train for his first 4 pro fights, to boxing on Tyson Fury's undercard. Other highlights from his short professional career included topping his own bill in Downpatrick, as well as boxing outdoors in Belfast. Paul also goes into detail about his struggles since retirement and his recent success starting his own personal training business in Annalong Co. Down.
Former County Down professional boxer, Paul Quinn talks me through his amateur career at the Mourne All Blacks. We go in-depth about his many successes, as well as his disappointments in his amateur career.
Legendary Belfast trainer, John Breen talks me through his career. We chat about the many champions he trained as well as his own boxing career.
This is part 2 of the Eamon Loughran podcast. We will get into his title successes at Commonwealth and World level and how life now is after boxing.
In this episode, I will sit down with former WBO Welterweight champion, Eamon Loughran to chat about his boxing story. In this first episode, we chat about his beginnings in the sport and his huge successes as an amateur boxer. We will then focus on the professional career in the famous Barney Eastwood stable in Belfast, before moving on to London to join the Barry Hearn, Matchroom stable.
This is the final episode of the Noel Magee podcast. This will focus on the end of his career and his life after boxing.
This episode will focus on Noel Magee’s professional boxing career. It will begin with how he turned pro in England and cover his first 27 contests including 2 unsuccessful challenges for the British title.