Barry McGuigan, known as “The Clones Cyclone,” is a retired Irish boxer who rose to prominence in the 1980s. His remarkable achievements in the boxing ring, along with his promotional work and the media attention that has followed his career, have made him a well-known figure in both the world of sports and beyond. In this article, we will delve into his net worth, career achievements, family life, and how he became an icon both in and out of the ring.
McGuigan’s life is one of triumph and tragedy. He has earned respect as a world champion boxer, a trainer, and a promoter, but his personal life has also been marked by great sorrow, especially with the untimely death of his daughter, Danika, in 2019. Through it all, McGuigan has remained a key figure in boxing, and his legacy continues to influence the sport today.
Quick Bio: Barry McGuigan
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Finbar Patrick “Barry” McGuigan |
| Nickname | The Clones Cyclone |
| Date of Birth | 28 February 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Clones, County Monaghan, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish (with dual British citizenship) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight Class | Featherweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Total Fights | 35 (32 wins, 28 by knockout, 3 losses) |
| Boxing Titles | WBA Featherweight Champion (1985) |
| Notable Achievements | BBC Sports Personality of the Year (1985) |
| Family | Wife: Sandra Mealiff, Children: Shane, Jake, Danika (deceased), Blain |
| Net Worth (2026) | $10 million to $15 million |
| Profession After Retirement | Boxing Promoter, Manager, TV Commentator |
| Daughter’s Passing | Danika McGuigan (2019, due to bowel cancer) |
| Famous Fights | Against Eusebio Pedroza (1985), Steve Cruz (1986) |
| Promotions | Cyclone Promotions |
| Retired | 1989 |
Early Life and Amateur Career
Barry McGuigan was born on 28 February 1961 in Clones, County Monaghan, Ireland. Raised in a small town, McGuigan’s early life was shaped by the social and political tensions of Northern Ireland. His father, Pat McGuigan, was a famous Irish singer who became known for singing “Danny Boy” before his son’s fights, a moment that carried emotional significance for both Barry and the audience.
Before his professional career, McGuigan had a successful amateur boxing career, representing Northern Ireland at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and Ireland at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. His rise as an amateur boxer set the stage for a promising professional career, where he would later win several accolades.
Professional Boxing Career
Barry McGuigan’s professional boxing career officially began on 10 May 1981, when he fought his first professional bout in Dublin. McGuigan quickly gained attention for his fierce fighting style, relentless aggression, and charismatic personality. His boxing ability, paired with his determination, made him a favorite in both the UK and Ireland, where boxing was gaining popularity during the 1980s.
McGuigan’s rise in the boxing world culminated in a historic moment on July 8, 1985, when he won the WBA Featherweight Title by defeating the then-champion Eusebio Pedroza. The fight was held in Loftus Road Stadium in London and went all 15 rounds, with McGuigan emerging victorious. The win solidified his status as a world champion and cemented his legacy in the history of boxing.
Over the course of his career, McGuigan went on to successfully defend his title and fight in several thrilling matches. He faced notable fighters like Steve Cruz and Bernard Taylor, but his loss to Cruz in 1986 marked the end of his unbeaten streak. In the fight with Cruz, McGuigan suffered a severe loss in the hot and humid conditions of Las Vegas, which, according to him, took a toll on his health.
McGuigan continued to fight a few more times after his loss to Cruz but was forced to retire in 1989 due to persistent injuries. By then, his boxing career had accumulated a record of 32 wins (28 by knockout) and 3 losses, making him one of the most respected featherweights of his generation.
Post-Boxing Career: Promotion and Media Work
After retiring from boxing, Barry McGuigan shifted his focus to Cyclone Promotions, a boxing management and promotional company. He went on to manage and promote several boxers, including Carl Frampton, a Northern Irish boxer who became a two-time world champion. McGuigan’s influence as a boxing promoter grew steadily, and he became a key figure in shaping the careers of many fighters in the sport.
McGuigan also became a popular commentator and analyst for BBC Sport and Sky Sports, where his insights into the sport of boxing earned him widespread recognition. He appeared on various TV shows and sports documentaries, further solidifying his place in the public eye.
Barry McGuigan’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Barry McGuigan’s estimated net worth is between $10 million and $15 million. This wealth has been accumulated through a combination of boxing earnings, promotional ventures, media appearances, and other business endeavors. Throughout his career, McGuigan has proven to be a savvy businessman and has diversified his income sources beyond the boxing ring.
His Cyclone Promotions business remains one of his primary revenue streams, and his television appearances and endorsements continue to add to his income. Barry has also branched out into other sectors, including the wine industry and Nettle Crisps, a brand of crisps he endorsed.
Despite his wealth, McGuigan has remained grounded and continues to be an advocate for boxing and its fighters, using his platform to support the next generation of boxers.
Family Life and Tragedy
Barry McGuigan’s personal life has been both fulfilling and heartbreaking. He is married to Sandra Mealiff, and together they have four children: two sons, Shane and Jake, and two daughters, Danika and Blain.
Tragedy struck the McGuigan family in 2019 when their beloved daughter, Danika McGuigan, passed away after a battle with bowel cancer. Danika, a talented actress known for her roles in films like Philomena, was only 33 years old when she passed away. She had previously fought and overcome leukemia, but this second cancer diagnosis was too much for her. The loss was devastating for Barry and his family, and he has been open about the emotional toll it took on him.
Despite the profound sadness, Barry has continued to be an active figure in the world of boxing and remains involved in various charitable causes, honoring his daughter’s memory by raising awareness about cancer and its impact on families.
Legacy and Impact
Barry McGuigan’s legacy in boxing is profound. He was not only a skilled fighter but also a unifying figure during the political struggles of Northern Ireland. His success in the ring transcended sports, and his popularity helped bring people together during a time of conflict. As a promoter, McGuigan has helped launch the careers of several fighters and remains one of the most influential figures in boxing.
His WBA Featherweight Championship title remains one of his greatest achievements, and his fierce fighting spirit continues to inspire young boxers around the world. Even in retirement, McGuigan’s contributions to boxing and his ability to create opportunities for others have earned him a lasting place in the sport’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Barry McGuigan?
Barry McGuigan was born on February 28, 1961, which makes him 64 years old as of 2025.
Where does Barry McGuigan live now?
Barry McGuigan currently resides in the UK, where he continues to promote boxing and maintain a private, family-oriented lifestyle. He has lived in various locations but maintains a relatively low profile.
What happened to Barry McGuigan’s daughter?
Barry McGuigan’s daughter, Danika McGuigan, tragically passed away in 2019 at the age of 33 after a battle with bowel cancer. Her passing was a devastating loss for the McGuigan family.
Is Barry McGuigan still alive?
Yes, Barry McGuigan is still alive. He is actively involved in boxing promotion and continues to be a respected figure in the world of sports.
What is Barry McGuigan’s boxing record?
Barry McGuigan has a professional boxing record of 32 wins (28 by knockout) and 3 losses. He won the WBA Featherweight title in 1985.
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Conclusion
Barry McGuigan’s net worth of $10 million to $15 million reflects his successful career inside and outside the ring. From becoming a world champion boxer to transitioning into a boxing promoter, McGuigan has built an empire in the sport. His legacy extends beyond his boxing record, with his influence on the sport, charitable causes, and contributions to the growth of boxing continuing to resonate today.
Through triumph and tragedy, Barry McGuigan has proven to be one of the most respected and beloved figures in the history of boxing.
