Former WBA featherweight champion Barry McGuigan speals at Cannock's Bar Sport
Barry McGuigan brought a touch of the Irish to Bar Sport in Cannock as the venue embraced the heritage of their speaker.
The former WBA featherweight champion of the world enthralled the audience in the 300-capacity Premier Suite.
The Clones Cyclone entered the room to his signature entrance tune Danny Boy, which his late father Pat used to belt out as he made his way to the ring.
The 55-year-old regaled spectators with tales from his amateur and pro career, which saw him become one of the biggest drawing boxing attractions of the 1980s.
Republic of Ireland born McGuigan also became a symbol for peace during the Troubles in his homeland, determined to fight against discrimination.
He refused to pick a side all through the conflict, having also came a British citizen to challenge and win the British title. Despite being a Roman Catholic, he married a Protestant, Sandra, and they have four children.
Laughs came from funnyman Mike Cash and
among the guests on Thursday were fellow former British champions PJ Gallagher, Neville Brown and Tony Wilson.
McGuigan said: "It's lovely to know I am well remembered and, no matter how old you get, it's nice to have your ego massaged. I've been to the West Midlands loads of times, for a number of reasons, and it's great to see some old faces."
