Tales from the Ring

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.

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.

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.