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When boxing came to Celtic Park and almost caused a riot
JOHN WIGHT discusses the rich history of the stadium, focussing particularly on the controversy caused by Sean O’Grady’s visit in 1980, which he witnessed firsthand
A general view of Celtic Park, Glasgow.
CELTIC PARK in the East End of Glasgow has an interesting history with the sport of boxing.
On June 2 1937, for example, the stadium hosted Glasgow’s legendary flyweight champion Benny Lynch’s non-title bout against Belfast’s Jimmy Warnock, which the Scot lost on points.
Just over a decade later on May 18 1949 Celtic Park hosted a British lightweight title contest between Harry Hughes and Billy Thompson. This was a classic Scotland v England clash which ended in victory for England’s Thompson by TKO in the 5th round.
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