The 2026 Commonwealth Games begin next week in Glasgow, where a new generation of British boxers will aim to follow in the footsteps of legends like Barry McGuigan. The former bantamweight champion, who won gold in Edmonton in 1978, believes the event remains a critical stepping stone for young fighters.
McGuigan's own Commonwealth experience
McGuigan recalls his first major international competition in Edmonton as transformative. 'Travelling to Edmonton in 1978 was a whole load of new experiences for me. My first real international competition, first long haul trip, six week camp beforehand. The intensity was incredible. I had never been so fit,' he said.
He had four bouts in total, including a semifinal against a Canadian boxer. 'He was heavy handed but we had a plan and I knocked him out in third. Much to the chagrin of the home supporters,' McGuigan noted. His trainer, Jerry Storey, helped him develop proper combinations for the first time.
Final victory and lessons learned
In the final, McGuigan faced a boxer from Papua New Guinea who had knocked out all previous opponents. 'He caught me in the second with a big right hand. I had never been hit so hard. I was given a standing count, but I was able to come back and defuse him to get gold,' he said.
McGuigan emphasised the value of fighting away from home and adapting to different styles under pressure. Only two boxers from his Irish team turned professional: himself and flyweight Hughie Russell, who later won the British title.
Stepping stone to professional ranks
For many, the Commonwealth Games represent either the pinnacle of their careers or a launchpad to the paid ranks. McGuigan said, 'It was a great learning experience. It meant so much and it will be the same for these kids. For some it will be the pinnacle of their careers. Others will see it as a stepping stone to the paid ranks.'
Two years later, McGuigan competed at the Moscow Olympics, where he received a controversial decision, but he regards the Commonwealth Games as the real turning point. 'I met so many great people, including world class fighters like Azumah Nelson and Mike McCallum, and learned so much. Another highlight was meeting the BBC’s legendary commentator Harry Carpenter, who actually thought my opponent deserved gold,' he recalled.
Advice for Glasgow 2026 competitors
McGuigan advised the upcoming boxers to be fully prepared. 'A lot of competitors will be new to senior boxing in Glasgow. The learning curve is steep. It’s important to be ready, be in the best condition and stay as focused as possible. They will learn so much about championship boxing and what it takes to succeed in the toughest game of all,' he said.
