Spike McCormack was from the Falls Road. He was actually called Seán but all the record books refer to him as 'Jim.' He fought all over the world, Italy, Denmark, South Africa, Australia...often taking fights at a moments notice. A master boxer, he boxed all the top fighters of his day. Ken Buchanan writes in his autobiography; "...I was matched against the very experienced Spike McCormack. Spike could fight, there was no doubt about that, the winner would get a crack at the British title against (Maurice) Cullen....Spike is much like myself, he is an upstanding boxer with a good jab and a right hand that I do not want my chin to touch." Later on Buchanan says, "...by God does he turn it on. He is throwing straight jabs, right hooks, uppercuts - you name it. When the final bell rang the two of us were [censored] knackered." After getting the decision Buchanan says, "Believe me, I don't fancy too many fights like that... he was my hardest opponent." I used to have a pint with Spike in the Slieve Dubh club in Turf Lodge. He was a great character and a big personality. Here is a picture from the Buchanan fight.
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Mike Coen the cobble figher
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Yes, good stuff I enjoyed reading it. - I have one question, I noticed several fighters (including your great uncle Tony) have records that read 9-6 1/2.
Do you know if that 1/2 represents a draw? Is that a British/Irish thing or and old time news thing?
Again enjoyed the read thanks for taking the time to share.
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Originally posted by Willie Pep 229 View PostYes, good stuff I enjoyed reading it. - I have one question, I noticed several fighters (including your great uncle Tony) have records that read 9-6 1/2.
Do you know if that 1/2 represents a draw? Is that a British/Irish thing or and old time news thing?
Again enjoyed the read thanks for taking the time to share.
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