Alexander McKay (boxer)
Alexander McKay (1804–1830) was a Scottish heavyweight bare-knuckle fighter. He fought in just five prize fights, these are:
- Loss to Simon Byrne after 47 mins, in 5 rounds on 3 May 1827
- Win over Peter Curran after 18 mins - in 1828
- Win over Paul Spencer after 25 rounds on 16 October 1828 £40
- Win over Paul Spencer after 30 mins in 34 rounds on 17 February 1829
- Loss to Simon Byrne after 53 mins in 47 rounds on 2 June 1830
One of the few known images of Alexander McKay, a poster advertising the match between him and Simon Byrne (right)
McKay died of a brain haemorrhage 30 hours after his second fight against Byrne. The news of his death was greeted in his native Scotland by rioting in which several lost their lives. He is buried in churchyard in the village of Hanslope, Buckinghamshire. The following epitaph is engraved on his tombstone.
- "Strong and athletic was my frame
- Far from my native home I came
- And bravely fought with Simon Byrne
- Alas, but never to return.
- Stranger take warning from my fate
- Lest you should rue your case too late
- If you have ever fought before
- Determine now to fight no more"
See also
- List of bare-knuckle boxers
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