Ray Close, a Belfast-born boxer who held the Irish super-middleweight title and the European title in the same division, died on October 2, 2026, at the age of 57. His death was confirmed by family members in Belfast, where he spent much of his life.
Close’s career began in 1988. He fought primarily in the super-middleweight division, winning the Irish title before claiming the European belt in 1993. He later finished his career competing in the light-heavyweight division.
Born in east Belfast, Close attended Knockbreda High School. His professional record included notable victories that made him a familiar name in Irish boxing. His European title win in 1993 was seen as a significant achievement for Irish fighters at the time.
Close’s career spanned nearly two decades. During that period, he fought a series of notable bouts in Ireland, Britain, and across Europe. His fights drew attention for their intensity and technical skill. He was known for a disciplined approach inside the ring.
He turned professional in 1988, and his rise was steady. By the early 1990s, he had established himself as one of Ireland’s top fighters. His Irish title win came in the late 1980s, and he defended it successfully before moving on to bigger titles.
In 1993, Close captured the EBU European super-middleweight title. The victory was celebrated in Belfast and across Ireland. It marked the peak of his career and brought him international recognition. He held that title for several years before moving up in weight class.
Despite stepping away from the ring in the late 1990s, Close remained involved in boxing. He was remembered for his dedication and the straightforward manner he fought with. Fans and fellow fighters paid tribute to his contributions to Irish boxing after the news of his passing.
His death leaves a legacy of a fighter who achieved national and European success. Close’s career was marked by consistency and a willingness to challenge himself in different weight classes. His name remains associated with some of Ireland’s most respected boxing moments of the 1990s.
Family members confirmed his passing but did not specify the cause. Close’s friends and former colleagues described him as a dedicated athlete who fought with honesty and grit. His reputation in Irish boxing circles was one of resilience and professionalism.
Close’s passing is a reminder of a fighter who, in his prime, brought attention to Irish boxing on the European stage. His career spanned nearly 30 years, from his debut to his last fight. That longevity is rare in a sport that often favors youth over experience.
He leaves behind no publicly known survivors, but his impact on Irish boxing is widely acknowledged. In recent years, he had stepped back from public view, but his contributions remain part of Ireland’s boxing history.
Close’s death comes at a time when Irish boxing continues to produce fighters making waves internationally. His career set standards for many who followed. The sport in Belfast and across Ireland has lost one of its notable figures.
According to Dead-People.