I'm still haunted by death of opponent

BOXING legend Barry McGuigan has revealed that he almost quit the sport after the tragic death of an opponent 42 years ago.

- BY TOM BRYANT

Nigerian fighter Young Ali, who was just 21, died five months after being hit by a knockout blow from Barry during their fight in the Grosvenor House Hotel in London in 1983.

Barry, 64, is still haunted by the memory of the bout. He said: "It's a very dangerous business. I was involved in a tragic fight in 1983, Young Ali.

"It was in the Grosvenor House Hotel and every time I drive past it, or go into it, I think of that young man and about how tough it was.

"A young Nigerian kid who died five months after my fight."