Belfast boxing icon Ray Close, who famously challenged Chris Eubank for his WBO super-middleweight title, has died at the age of 57. Close, born in 1969, turned professional in 1988 after a successful amateur career.
Close secured the EBU Super Middleweight title in 1993, but his two memorable encounters with Eubank are often highlighted. In May 1993, he pushed the undefeated Eubank to a draw in Glasgow. A year later, in a rematch at Belfast's King's Hall, Close delivered another strong performance but lost on a split decision.
A planned third fight was cancelled after a brain scan led to the British Boxing Board of Control revoking his licence. Close later resumed his career in the USA, winning all five of his bouts there, including a knockout victory in June 1997.
Ledley Hall Youth and Boxing Club, where Close began boxing at age 10, led tributes, describing him as a "true gentleman, humble, kind and always willing to give something back." Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy also stated that Close will be a "huge loss to the boxing fraternity of Ireland and across the world."