John McCormack - A Life in Boxing | The Rocky Road on Acast

John McCormack - A Life in Boxing

John McCormack grew up in Dublin’s inner city centre as the son of famous boxer Spike McCormack. From a large family, fighting was in his blood – but he only really discovered it when standing up to a bully at the Artane Industrial School, where he spent many of his teenage years. From there he moved to England and into the professional boxing scene, ultimately going on to fight for – and win – the British light-heavyweight title. His brother, Pat, did likewise. After hanging up his gloves, John moved into coaching and found his way to St Saviours, where he guided the likes of Steve Collins and Darren Sutherland through the ranks. He’s also been heavily involved with Ireland’s international teams over the years and was there for some of Katie Taylor’s biggest moments. Before that, John and Pat, who was by his side at the northside club, worked with Ireland’s first female boxer, Deirdre Gogarty, who went on to win the world featherweight title in 1997. John also tells us tales of meeting heavyweight champs from Jack Dempsey to Muhammad Ali to Lennox Lewis, who worked out in his club ahead of his Dublin fight nights in the 90s. Episode recorded at Drogheda Boxing Club for the launch of a campaign to erect a statue of Gogarty in the Co Louth town.

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John McCormack - A Life in Boxing

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