On the 8th of June, 1985, 25,000 people filled the Loftus Road stadium, London (home of Queen's Park Rangers FC) with 12,000 coming over from Ireland, to watch the big match-up live, and an estimated TV audience of 20 million people tuned in to what would be one of the biggest nights in the history of boxing in the island of Ireland.
Hailing from Mongahan, he also had a good understanding of the turbulent political situation at the time in the North, but when he would fight in Belfast, both sides would turn out to lend their support.

He would wear a dove of peace on his shorts, never wore any colours which showed an allegiance, he fought under the United Nations flag of peace, and his father would sing Danny Boy instead of any anthem. He campaigned against sectarian violence from both sides, and his slogan was “leave the fighting to Barry”.

Having turned professional McGuigan had his first win on May 10th 1981 at Dalymount Park in Dublin. He progressed quickly and over the following four years won 26 of his 27 fights. By 1985 was the number one contender for the World Boxing Association Featherweight crown. The reigning world Champion was Eusebio Pedrosa of Panama. The fight was held at Loftus Road Football Stadium in London in June 1985. McGuigan won by a unanimous decision to become world champion.

During his professional career Barry McGuigan fought 35 fights, winning on 32 occasions. He retired in 1989

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