Paul Ireland

Name: Paul Ireland
Hometown: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Died: 2019-11-07 (Age:49)
Stance: Southpaw
Height: 170cm
Pro Boxer: Record
Amateur Boxer: Record

Obituary

By Denis O'Hara

Belfast featherweight Paul Ireland has tragically died following illness at the age of 49. The all-action southpaw had a short career as a professional, winning his opening nine contests. Following growing nasal damage problems he suffered a first paid loss, to South African Vuyisile Tinga - stopped in the sixth and final round at the Hilton Hotel, Mayfair, in May 1999. After this Matchroom Promotion he announced his retirement, aged 29. From west Belfast he made a rapid rise through the Irish amateur ranks when guided by the legendary Ulster team coach Jimmy Clinton in the St George's Gym in the Belfast Markets district. Ireland won four Ulster amateur elite titles, starting in the flyweight grade in 1988, and followed with three featherweight crowns. He also won the Irish Lightweight title in 1991. During this period he was involved in pulsating punch-ups with other leading Irish amateurs - - including future British light-welterweight champion Mark Winters and Dublin's Paul Grffin. He also contested the 1990 Commonwealth Games at Christchurch, New Zealand. A team colleague then was 'Pocket Rocket' Wayne McCullough, who paid warm tribute to the very popular Ireland. "Paul was always one of my best friends on the boxing team," said McCullough. Ireland joined the paid ranks in August 1995, making his debut in the Ulster Hall.