Former European champion and world title challenger Ray Close has died at the age of just 57 at the Phoenix Clinic and Resource Centre in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, a specialised care facility where he had been living for around three years.
Born in Belfast in 1969, Close won the European super-middleweight title at the second time of asking in 1993, when he defeated our own Vincenzo Nardiello on cuts in the tenth round in Campione d’Italia. Previously, his chance to claim the continental crown had been denied by Frenchman Frank Nicotra, who stopped him in eight rounds while Close was ahead on the scorecards.
Following his victory over Nardiello, Close was involved in two thrilling bouts with legendary fighter Chris Eubank, both for the WBO super-middleweight world title. The first fight, held in Glasgow, ended in a draw. The rematch, staged in Belfast a year later, saw Eubank win on points by split decision.
The two were due to meet for a third time, but a medical examination revealed that Close had suffered brain injuries, leading to the withdrawal of his professional boxing licence.
The Northern Irish fighter resumed his career two years later in the United States, after receiving clearance from the Illinois State Athletic Commission, and went on to have five more fights, winning them all, before finally hanging up his gloves.
Close later returned to the gym where his sporting journey had begun at the age of just ten: Ledley Hall in Belfast. There, he took on a coaching role, putting his experience at the service of a new generation of young boxers.
Following his death, the gym released the following tribute:
“To our young people, Ray was proof of what could be achieved. He came through the same doors, trained in the same club and went on to accomplish incredible things.
“His story has inspired generations of young people at Ledley Hall and will continue to do so.
“There are some people who become part of the history and heart of a place, and Ray will always be part of ours.”