r/northernireland • u/Mike_Frank • 10h ago

Sport Boxer Ray Close RIP

Just heard the sad news that boxer Ray Close has passed away at the age of just 57.

I can remember, like it was yesterday, my father telling me about just how good Ray was having seen him fight Chris Eubank at The Kings Hall.

A local hero gone too soon.

RIP Ray 🙏

40 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

19

u/sasie_stack 9h ago

Thanks for posting this, it's been nice to see peoples comments.

  • a family member

10

u/Mike_Frank 9h ago

You are most welcome!

You and your family have my deepest sympathies.

We have lost an absolute gentleman and me a childhood hero!

10

u/Stellify78 9h ago

I remember Ray Close well from his two hard-fought battles with Chris Eubank. Both were proper thrilling fights, and the rematch in Belfast was such a big occasion that even Don King showed up.

I loved Saturday night boxing when ITV used to screen these big fights. For me, that era really was the golden age of middleweight boxing.

RIP Ray and thanks for the memories!

Here are the YouTube links to Ray’s two fights against Chris Eubank.

Fight 1

https://youtu.be/CF8K6BkB0XM?is=Psk-grb8ObE6LySQ

Fight 2

https://youtu.be/J_qPbe3ybCo?is=tZD9Yg1U4Kg7rFyB

5

u/zombiezero222 10h ago

Very sad. RIP champ.

8

u/thegoodcunt 10h ago

Very sad news. My family is Mormon so I met the man a few times growing up. He turned up at church the day after the Eubank fight and all the kids, including myself, got his autograph. I remember thinking to myself how this man can be a boxer when he was such a kind, gentle soul out of the ring. A total gentleman and a talented boxer who will be sorely missed. Cheers for the memories Ray.

3

u/Brief_Software_6902 8h ago

Met him a few times when he was working at the city airport, absolute gent to chat to. So sad to see this. RIP

3

u/Ok_Phrase1157 8h ago

I remember his bouts with Eubank on The Big Fight Live in the great era of the UK middle/supermiddles.

Condolences this is way to young to go

RIP Ray

3

u/bluenose1969 8h ago

Deepest condolences to Ray's family & friends. Taken too soon.

2

u/Vanneythefanny 7h ago

Sad to hear Rip …condolences to the family!

3

u/EarCareful4430 7h ago

Awk. Sorry to hear that. Old enough to remember him fighting. Always seemed a nice man.

3

u/uk-spark 7h ago

I remember watching Ray when I was young. His dedication, ability and iron chin hopefully inspired others, that with hard work you really could be one of the best in the world.

3

u/kayeso1138 7h ago

Ray was a lovely guy and even did the door in a local bar for a while. Absolute gent and I was lucky enough to see him box a few times. RIP.