16 Facts About Mike McTigue

Michael Francis McTigue was born in Lickaun, Kilnamona, in County Clare, Ireland, on 26 November 1892.

Mike McTigue was recorded in the 1901 Census of County Clare.

Mike McTigue traveled as a steerage passenger of the British steamer Baltic, which arrived at the Port of New York on 21 September 1912.

Mike McTigue was the brother of fellow boxer Jim McTigue.

Mike McTigue began boxing and fought in America for 13 years.

Mike McTigue got a shot at the World Light Heavyweight Championship in 1923.

Mike McTigue won on points after 20 rounds to become the World Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mike McTigue would defend his title against future Hall of Famers Tommy Loughran, Young Stribling and Mickey Walker before losing the title by unanimous decision to the gold medalist wrestler-turned-boxer Paul Berlenbach in 1925.

Mike McTigue lost his title in his first defense of the NYSAC light heavyweight title to Tommy Loughran on October 7,1927.

Mike McTigue fought multiple bouts in his career against the likes of Paul Berlenbach, Jeff Smith, Harry Greb, Mickey Walker and Tommy Loughran.

Mike McTigue lost most of those bouts, but he actually got the best of the great Loughran during one of their no-decision contests.

Mike McTigue was 38 years old when his boxing licence was revoked and had been fighting for 21 years.

Mike McTigue succumbed to poverty and ill health and was confined to various hospitals around New York for the last ten years of his life.

Mike McTigue finally died at New York's Queen's General Hospital on August 12,1966.

Mike McTigue was survived by his widow and two daughters.

In later years Mike McTigue regaled listeners with tales of the highlight of his career, particularly the Dublin bout.