
IRISH MMA star Conor McGregor’s fall from grace could not have been more dramatic. From global icon and business tycoon, worshipped by millions across the world, to convicted rapist after civil proceedings in Dublin, his is a tale of how fame corrupts and absolute fame corrupts completely.
It also confirms that the hyper-masculinity of combat sports constitutes a potential danger to both the fighters involved and society in general. The result of this danger in McGregor’s case is a traumatised female victim with the courage to stand up to him, a man whom so many have bowed down to, and he now dealing with the aftershock in terms of now being widely regarded as a pariah.
McGregor’s unravelling, it should be understood, began long before the point where his sense of entitlement culminated in rape. It is a story worthy of the character from Greek mythology, Icarus; whereby his wealth and fame propelled him to fly too close to the sun.

As we mark the anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, JOHN WIGHT reflects on the enormity of the US decision to drop the atom bombs

From humble beginnings to becoming the undisputed super lightweight champion of the world, Josh Taylor’s career was marked by fire, ferocity, and national pride, writes JOHN WIGHT

Mary Kom’s fists made history in the boxing world. Malak Mesleh’s never got the chance. One story ends in glory, the other in grief — but both highlight the defiance of women who dare to fight, writes JOHN WIGHT

The Khelif gender row shows no sign of being resolved to the satisfaction of anyone involved anytime soon, says boxing writer JOHN WIGHT