Member's statement: Ray Close
Member's statement by Mr Peter Martin on .
- MLA
- Mr Peter Martin
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 6 October 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Ray Close
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5776547
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Very sadly, Ray Close, the Belfast-born boxer who made Bangor his home, died last week at the age of just 57. He will be warmly remembered as not only one of Northern Ireland's finest boxers but a complete gentleman. Ray turned professional in 1988 and went on to win the Irish super-middleweight title before claiming the European crown in 1993. However, he is best and most fondly remembered for two very memorable battles with Chris Eubank for the World Boxing Organization title. Many of us in Northern Ireland would say that he was robbed by the judges in at least one of those fights. Ray's contribution to boxing went well beyond his own career. He started boxing in Ledley Hall in east Belfast, and, in later years, he gave his time and experience to young boxers in Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy. Ray was always very willing to encourage others and pass on the knowledge that he had accumulated over many years of boxing. He certainly did that with his son William. I will remember Ray through a much more personal connection: when I was mayor in 2013, I had the great pleasure, perhaps showing very questionable wisdom, of taking part in a five-round exhibition match with Ray's son William Close. William was, quite frankly, a giant of a man in both frame and power. I lost substantially, although I think that the judges very graciously called it a draw on the day.
The fight was organised by another local boxing legend Sandy Rice, who brought us together for that very memorable occasion. A photo of the fight between William and me is on the wall of my constituency office in Bangor. Ray's passing represents a significant loss to his family, his friends and the boxing community in Bangor, across North Down and throughout Northern Ireland. He leaves a proud legacy in the ring, perhaps most importantly for the many young boxers and other young people whom he encouraged throughout his career. Ray Close was a champion, a mentor, a gentleman and a family man. He will be much missed by many in North Down and by his family in particular.
360 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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