Today, the world of boxing mourns the loss of a true legend, as Scottish boxing icon Dick McTaggart has passed away at the age of 89. The sombre news was reported by The Courier. McTaggart holds a special place in the annals of sports history as the only Scottish boxer ever to win an Olympic gold medal. Over his remarkable amateur career, he amassed an astounding record of 610 wins and only 24 losses.
In remembrance of McTaggart, his family released a heartfelt statement:
“We honor the memory of Dick McTaggart, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a true gentleman and a revered figure in the boxing community. His presence will be sorely missed, but his spirit will live on in our hearts. May he rest in peace.”
A southpaw with remarkable prowess and strategic intelligence in the ring, McTaggart dazzled at three different Olympic Games. He clinched gold in the lightweight division in 1956, captured a bronze in 1960, and narrowly missed a medal in 1964. In recognition of his contributions to the sport he cherished, he was awarded an MBE in 1985.
Despite numerous lucrative offers to enter the professional ranks, McTaggart chose to remain an amateur, a decision he explained in a 2019 interview with Tales from the Ring. “There were times I pondered going professional,” he admitted. “But in the end, I decided to stay amateur. The money was tempting, but I was content with my status as a top amateur boxer. I wasn’t keen on fighting longer bouts and valued the simple joys of life, like enjoying a pint now and then. You can’t do that as a pro.”
Dick McTaggart is rightly celebrated as one of the most outstanding amateur boxers in history. While we can only speculate on what he might have achieved in the professional arena, his legendary status in the boxing world remains undiminished.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Dick’s family and friends during this difficult time.
