Remembering a Belfast Boxing Icon
Ray Close, one of the most celebrated and gifted boxers produced in Northern Ireland, has died at the age of 57, as reported by the Irish News. Born in 1969, Close built a decorated amateur career before turning professional in 1988, eventually capturing the European Boxing Union (EBU) super-middleweight title on St Patrick’s Day in 1993, according to BBC Sport.
His passing triggered an outpouring of grief and respect from sports clubs, former competitors, and fans across the island of Ireland and internationally. Throughout his career, Close established a reputation for technical skill, unyielding determination, and exemplary sportsmanship inside and outside the squared circle.
The Historic Eubank Rivalry
Close is perhaps best remembered by boxing enthusiasts for his high-stakes World Boxing Organization (WBO) title bouts against the undefeated Chris Eubank. In May 1993, Eubank defended his WBO super-middleweight belt against Close in a fiercely contested bout in Glasgow. Despite Eubank entering the ring with a pristine 35-0 professional record, Close pushed the champion through a gruelling battle that ended in a draw, preventing Eubank from securing a straightforward victory.
A highly anticipated rematch took place the following year at a raucous King’s Hall in Belfast. Close delivered another formidable performance in front of a passionate home crowd, ultimately losing on a tight split decision. A planned third meeting between the two rivals was aborted after the British Boxing Board of Control revoked Close’s boxing licence following an MRI scan that revealed two lesions on his brain.
Demonstrating his persistent dedication to the sport, Close later secured a boxing licence in the United States, competing and winning five consecutive bouts in Illinois. His final professional appearance concluded with a knockout victory over Larry Willis in June 1997. Close finished his professional career with an impressive record of 25 victories, three defeats, and the single draw against Eubank.
Community Tributes and Legacy
Tributes poured in immediately following the announcement of his death. Ledley Hall Youth and Boxing Club in east Belfast, where Close began his boxing journey as a 10-year-old, remembered him as a true gentleman who remained deeply connected to his roots. The club noted in a public statement that Close was humble, kind, and always eager to give back to younger generations, serving as tangible proof of what could be achieved through hard work and discipline.
Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy, another institution where Close spent time training, echoed those sentiments, declaring his death an enormous loss to the broader boxing fraternity across Ireland and worldwide. Close’s enduring legacy will remain tied not only to his championship achievements and legendary domestic battles, but also to the inspiration he provided to aspiring athletes throughout Belfast.