Ray Close, Belfast Boxing Legend and Chris Eubank Challenger, Dies at 57

Ray Close, the Belfast boxer celebrated for nearly defeating Chris Eubank and his prowess in the super-middleweight division, has died at the age of 57. Close, born in 1969, turned professional in 1988 following a distinguished amateur career.

He secured the EBU super-middleweight title on St. Patrick's Day in 1993. However, his most memorable fights were against WBO super-middleweight champion Chris Eubank. In May 1993, in Glasgow, Close challenged Eubank, who was undefeated at the time. The bout ended in a draw, with neither fighter able to secure a victory on the scorecards.

A rematch was held the following year at the King's Hall in Belfast. Close delivered another strong performance but ultimately lost by a split decision. A third fight was planned but was canceled when Close's boxing license was revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control after medical scans revealed two lesions on his brain.

Close later resumed his boxing career in the United States, obtaining a license there. He competed in five bouts in Illinois, winning all of them, including a knockout victory over Larry Willis in June 1997. His professional record stands at 25 wins, three defeats, and one draw.

Boxing clubs in Belfast and Bangor paid tribute to Close. Ledley Hall Youth and Boxing Club, where Close began his boxing journey at age 10, described him as a "true gentleman, humble, kind and always willing to give something back." The club emphasized his role as an inspiration to young people, demonstrating what could be achieved by someone who trained at their facility. Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy, where Close had trained, called him a "huge loss to the boxing fraternity of Ireland and across the world."