Belfast boxing legend Ray Close dies at 57
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 2:16 PM
Last updated Oct 2, 2026
Ray Close, a prominent boxer from Belfast, has passed away at the age of 57. Close, known for his competitive bouts against Chris Eubank, drew one match and lost another by split decision. Born in 1969, he began his professional career in 1988 after a successful amateur background, winning the EBU Super Middleweight title in 1993. Following a period away from the sport due to health concerns, including lesions on his brain discovered by an MRI, he returned to boxing in the U.S., finishing with a record of 25 wins, three losses, and one draw. Tributes highlight his character and impact on young boxers.
- •Ray Close died at the age of 57.
- •He was born in 1969 and turned professional in 1988.
- •Close pushed Chris Eubank to a draw in their first fight.
- •He won the EBU Super Middleweight title on St Patrick's Day in 1993.
- •Tributes emphasize his kindness and dedication to boxing.
- 2:16 PMYahoo Sports — Belfast boxing legend Close dies aged 57
- 2:16 PMBBC Sport — Belfast boxing legend Close dies aged 57
"Ray Close, the Belfast boxer who almost handed Chris Eubank the first defeat of his career, has died at the age of 57.
"Ray Close, the Belfast boxer who almost handed Chris Eubank the first defeat of his career, has died at the age of 57.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 2, 2026, 2:16 PMBelfast boxing legend Close dies aged 57
Ray Close, the Belfast boxer who almost handed Chris Eubank the first defeat of his career, has died at the age of 57.
- BBC SportOct 2, 2026, 2:16 PMBelfast boxing legend Close dies aged 57
Ray Close, the Belfast boxer who almost handed Chris Eubank the first defeat of his career, has died at the age of 57.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Boxing•Oct 2, 2026, 3:44 PMDenzel Bentley ducks Yoenli Hernandez, fights Shane Mosley Jr on Zuffa Boxing 12
Boxing•Oct 2, 2026, 3:40 PM‘He operates like a slave owner’: Former boxer does not hold back on Dana White
Boxing•Oct 2, 2026, 3:26 PMCanelo Alvarez envisions final fight of career at Mexico's Estadio Azteca
Boxing•Oct 2, 2026, 3:05 PMMania Mailbag: Will Dana White Regret His Pivot To Boxing?
Boxing•Oct 2, 2026, 2:30 PMDana White calls Eddie Hearn ‘delusional,’ Hearn responds by dunking on White with video receipts
Boxing•Oct 2, 2026, 12:46 PM‘Turki is finished with boxing’: Oscar De La Hoya talks Ring Magazine potentially being sold