Barry McGuigan

Barry McGuigan is popular sports speaker, thanks to his career as an esteemed former boxer and promoter. Nicknamed as The Clones Cyclone, after his birthplace of Clones, Ireland, Barry was a well-loved boxer by both British and Irish fans, due to his likeable nature and neutrality during a time of tension. Equally as successful on the public speaking circuit as he was in the ring, Barry is an expert on such topics as peak performance and maximising success, derived from his years cultivating such skills. As an amateur boxer, Barry rose to prominence at an impressive rate, even representing Ireland in the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. Having also competed in the Edmonton Commonwealth Games in 1978, he applied for a British citizen so he could represent both Ireland and Great Britain, and later attended matches in venues of both nations.

As a testament to his personable nature, Barry easily filled the King’s Hall in Belfast to full capacity, due to the Irish and GB fan following. Barry likeable nature is reflected in his after-dinner speeches too, as he wins over the audience from the moment he steps onto the stage. Comical and candid, he commands the room with his honest storytelling style.

Despite the tension between Ireland and Great Britain, Barry was able to distance himself from the fierce debates and warrant support from both sides of the Irish sea. When asked, Barry stated that his time in the ring “felt a little like sunshine. Both sides would say: 'Leave the fighting to McGuigan.' You see, it was also entertainment [...] I wouldn't choose sides. People appreciated that." As a sports speaker, Barry is a symbol of unity and acceptance, particularly evident when he shares his story of an amateur boxer to a professional giant. In 2005, Barry earned his place in the international boxing hall of fame. At present, he is the founder of Cyclone Promotions and president of the Professional Boxing Association (PBA), two roles where he honed his business management skills and contributed greatly to the sport. Barry also stepped into the I'm A Celebrity Jungle in 2024. Barry showed sheer determination in the jungle and vulnerability in showing viewers his softer side. Barry was eventually eliminated in episode 19. An event featuring Barry would benefit from this truly genuine character, whose authenticity shines through.