I’m A Celebrity star Barry McGuigan previously revealed he is haunted by the memory of a young boxer he tragically killed.
Season 24 of I’m a Celebrity has brought a new selection of celebs to push themselves to the limit in the Australian jungle. Not only do they face physical deprivation of home comforts and food, but the mental toll they face is extreme.
Joining this year’s cast is Barry McGuigan, but what haunts him more than a Bushtucker Trial is a tragedy from his past.
Barry McGuigan on killer punch
On June 14, 1982, Barry was in the ring with Nigerian fighter Young Ali. The boxer, now 63, went to strike a knock-out punch when devastation struck.
The fight was held at London’s Grosvenor House hotel in Mayfair when McGuigan’s right-hand hammered Ali straight in the face. Sailing through all his defenses, the strike sent the 21-year-old boxer collapsing to the mat. Young Ali never got back up.
There was a rush to hospital with the unconscious fighter, where surgeons removed the cap of his skull in efforts to reduce the swelling on his brain.
A month following the incident, Ali was flown to Nigeria where he remained on a life support machine. Six months later, on December 13, Young Ali sadly passed away.
Barry on heartbreaking impact of the tragedy
On this day 1982: Barry McGuigan defeated Young Ali in a fight that had a tragic ending. McGuigan knocked his African opponent out in RD6 , Ali slipped into a coma , eventually passing away on Dec 13th.
McGuigan would tearfully dedicate his famous World title win to Ali. pic.twitter.com/3jl7iKIVjk
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