Ali 'The Greatest' but Maguire the latest to win in Croke Park
With Katie Taylor set to be the first boxer to headline Croke Park since Muhammad Ali beat Al 'Blue' Lewis in 1972, BBC Sport NI catches up with Paddy Maguire, who was last to box on that iconic night.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""It's hard to believe it has taken so long for boxing to return to Croke Park.""
— Paddy Maguire , Athlete
""I was dumbstruck when I saw him [Ali]. He was different from what I imagined because he wasn't the flamboyant guy we'd seen on television.""
— Eddie Keher , Athlete
Key People
Eddie Keher is a celebrated Irish hurler known for winning multiple All-Ireland titles.
Katie Taylor is a two-division undisputed boxing champion from Ireland.
Muhammad Ali was an iconic American boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Paddy Maguire is a Belfast boxer known for his professional and amateur boxing career.
Locations
All Coverage
With Katie Taylor set to be the first boxer to headline Croke Park since Muhammad Ali beat Al 'Blue' Lewis in 1972, BBC Sport NI catches up with Paddy Maguire, who was last to box on that iconic night.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Fisher outpoints bloodied Pirotton on Zuffa debut
British heavyweight Johnny Fisher wins his first fight under the Zuffa Boxing banner with a majority points victory over Michael Pirotton at the Copper Box Arena.
September 26, 2026 at 11:06 PMGB boxers guaranteed three medals at Europeans
Britain guarantee at least three medals at the European Boxing Championships in Bulgaria as Chantelle Reid, Damar Thomas and Abdul Burton all reach the semi-finals.
September 22, 2026 at 08:07 PMFury v Joshua announced for 11 December in Cardiff
Cardiff's Principality Stadium will host Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's all-British heavyweight fight on 11 December.
September 24, 2026 at 12:42 PMWhy Cardiff is set to win race to host Fury-Joshua
Why Cardiff is set to beat competition from London and New York to host the long-awaited fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
September 21, 2026 at 10:51 AMGB's Connor earns UFC contract despite defeat
Callum Connor wins a UFC contract after losing what Dana White describes as "one of the greatest fights you'll ever see".
September 23, 2026 at 06:55 AMThe MMA fighter helping Brighton - and filling stadiums
From helping Brighton with set pieces to fighting in front of nearly 60,000 people - meet MMA star Christian Eckerlin, who competes at Oktagon 94 in Frankfurt on Saturday.
September 26, 2026 at 06:50 AM