A Champion Through Troubled Times: George Kelly and Irish Boxing History George Kelly was born in Dublin in 1908. As a boy he joined the North City Boxing Club, at number 14 North Great George’s Street. This was where he established himself as an outstanding amateur. He fought numerous contests; his name being displayed on several boxing bills in Dublin and other counties. He became Irish amateur champion at featherweight in 1927 and was also recognised as the flyweight champion of Ireland. He competed at featherweight in the Tailteann Games and at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. Subsequently, he moved up to lightweight and turned professional at the end of 1928. His professional career lasted until 1938. During which time, he won the Boxing Union of Ireland Irish Lightweight title in both 1934 and 1935. He fought nearly 100 professional bouts in Ireland and Britain, finishing with a record of 54 wins (7 by knockout), 22 losses, and 10 draws. This article charts his life and...
