Ring legend McGuigan throws backing behind Herald awards

GUEST of honour Barry McGuigan and The Herald Sports Personality Awards have much in common, not least a mutual desire to promote the benefits of athletic and academic pursuits.

The former world featherweight champion will be at the Pavilions on November 30 when the eighth annual Herald awards take place.

McGuigan was particularly interested in the concept of the Sports Personality Awards and their impact on grassroots sport.

The softly-spoken Irishman, when not commentating on title fights on TV or managing his growing stable of fighters, gives his time freely to initiatives encouraging sportsmen and women to make the most of their life.

After retiring, McGuigan founded the Professional Boxers Association – now the British Boxers Association.

Through the BBA, members are encouraged to understand the business side of boxing and organise their lives better.

The organisation promotes further education and helps boxers develop other skills so they are able to earn a living once the bell is rung on their careers.

"I think it's vitally important people, particularly youngsters, should be encouraged and helped," said the personable 48-year-old McGuigan.

"I know The Herald Sports awards raise funds for grassroots athletes which I heartily support.

"It's so important to be able to help people structure their lives in a positive fashion.

"I'm putting in a lot of time with academies in cities up and down the country.

"I think it's so important to get kids off the streets and actively involved in further education.

"That's why I started the PBA. I felt so many boxers required pointing in the right direction.

"I believe if I can lend my name and time to a cause which will, hopefully, go on to improve somebody's mindset and life, it's a worthwhile exercise."

McGuigan became a household name when he won the WBA world featherweight title in 1985 and then the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The 'Clones Cyclone' retired with a record of 32 victories (including 28 knock-outs) and just three defeats in a career which spanned the 1980s.

For information on ticket and table prices for The Herald Sports Awards dinner, contact Clair Skelley on 01752 765532.