Ray Close dies aged 57 – Belfast boxer who pushed Chris Eubank

Death reported

Belfast fighter Ray Close dies aged 57

Ray Close has died at the age of 57, the BBC reports. Close was born in 1969 and became one of Northern Ireland’s most notable professional boxers after turning pro in 1988 following a successful amateur career. The report does not provide details on the circumstances of his death. Close is widely remembered for his competitive bouts at super‑middleweight in the early 1990s, a period that brought him national attention.

Career highlights

EBU title and professional record

Close won the EBU super‑middleweight title on St Patrick's Day in 1993, a career highlight. His professional record stands at 25 victories, three defeats, and one draw. That solitary draw came in his first meeting with Chris Eubank. The BBC summary describes Close as one of the most gifted boxers Northern Ireland has produced, noting his progression from a decorated amateur into a respected professional.

Notable fights

Two close battles with Chris Eubank defined his career

Close is best known for two hard‑fought fights against then‑WBO super‑middleweight champion Chris Eubank. In May 1993, Eubank, who had been unbeaten in 35 professional fights, defended his WBO title in Glasgow, and the bout ended in a draw. The pair met again the following year at the King’s Hall in Belfast, where Close pushed Eubank again but lost by split decision. A third fight was scheduled but never took place.

Medical suspension

Licence revoked after MRI revealed brain lesions

A third meeting with Eubank was prevented when the British Boxing Board of Control revoked Close’s licence after an MRI scan reportedly revealed two lesions on his brain. That decision halted his UK career at the time. The BBC account says Close later obtained a licence in the United States and resumed fighting there, rather than linking the medical finding to any other specific outcomes.

US comeback

Returns to the ring in Illinois, finishes with five straight wins there

After the UK licence revocation, Close fought in the United States and won five consecutive bouts in Illinois. His final recorded victory was a knockout over Larry Willis in June 1997. Those five wins form part of the 25 victories credited to Close in the professional record reported by the BBC.

Tributes

Home clubs pay tribute to a local role model

Ledley Hall Youth and Boxing Club in East Belfast, where Close began boxing at age 10, led tributes on social media, calling him a "true gentleman, humble, kind and always willing to give something back" and saying he proved to young people what could be achieved. Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy, where he also trained, described his loss as "a huge loss to the boxing fraternity of Ireland and across the world" and said the Close family had been part of their club from the start.