Dave McAuley: The Flyweight Legend from Northern Ireland
David “Dave ‘Boy’” McAuley was born in Larne, Northern Ireland, on June 15, 1961. He boxed professionally from 1983 to 1992, winning the British flyweight title before moving into world-title contests. His two challenges against WBA champion Fidel Bassa both ended in defeat: Bassa stopped him in the 13th round in April 1987, then won a 12-round decision in their March 1988 rematch. Boxing News describes the contests as grueling championship fights.
Boxing career and major results
McAuley earned his IBF opportunity against Duke McKenzie at Wembley on June 7, 1989. He won a 12-round unanimous decision to become champion. He made five successful defenses, beating Dodie Boy Peñalosa, Louis Curtis, Rodolfo Blanco, Pedro José Feliciano and Jacob Matlala. The IBF flyweight title-fight record lists each bout.
Blanco got a second title shot in June 1992 and won a 12-round unanimous decision in Bilbao, ending McAuley’s reign. McAuley finished with 18 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, including 8 knockouts. His five defenses made him one of the longer-reigning British IBF flyweight champions of the era. BoxRec’s profile records his championship dates and career total.
Sources
Career records and reporting: boxrec.com.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
