Biography of Lloyd Honeyghan
| Born | 22 April 1960 (age 63) |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Raggamuffin |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Welterweight, Light-middleweight |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 48 |
| Wins | 43 |
| Wins by KO | 30 |
| Losses | 5 |
Lloyd Honeyghan, also known by his moniker “Raggamuffin,” is a British former professional boxer whose illustrious career spanned from 1980 to 1995. Born on April 22, 1960, in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, Honeyghan emerged as a formidable force in the welterweight division, etching his name in boxing history through his remarkable achievements inside the ring.
Lloyd Honeyghan, born on April 22, 1960, is a former British professional boxer who competed from 1980 to 1995. He held the undisputed welterweight champion title from 1986 to 1987 and secured the WBC and The Ring magazine welterweight titles twice between 1986 and 1989. Additionally, at the regional level, he claimed the British, European, and Commonwealth welterweight titles from 1983 to 1985, and the Commonwealth super-welterweight title from 1993 to 1994.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Honeyghan’s journey to boxing greatness began in Jamaica, where he spent his formative years under the care of his grandparents. At the age of nine, he relocated to England to join his parents in Bermondsey. It was there that he discovered his passion for boxing at the tender age of 11, igniting a journey that would define his life.
Though Honeyghan showed promise as an amateur boxer, he never clinched an ABA title, facing setbacks in competitions. Despite these early challenges, his determination and grit paved the way for a transition to the professional arena.
Professional Career
Under the guidance of Terry Lawless, Honeyghan embarked on his professional boxing career in 1980. With a string of victories, including notable wins over seasoned opponents like Kostas Petrou and Lloyd Hibbert, he quickly ascended the ranks. His relentless pursuit of success led to capturing various titles, including the British, European, and Commonwealth welterweight titles.
However, Honeyghan’s defining moment came on September 27, 1986, when he achieved the unthinkable by defeating the undefeated Donald Curry to claim the undisputed welterweight championship. Despite being considered an underdog, Honeyghan’s tenacity and skill secured a historic victory, solidifying his status as a boxing legend.
Undisputed Welterweight Champion
Honeyghan’s triumph over Curry marked the pinnacle of his career. His unyielding spirit and aggressive fighting style endeared him to fans worldwide, earning him acclaim as one of the greatest welterweight champions of his time. Honeyghan’s reign as the undisputed champion showcased his dominance and resilience in the face of formidable opponents.
On January 5, 1985, Lloyd Honeyghan captured the European welterweight title with a remarkable third-round knockout of future two-time super-welterweight world champion Gianfranco Rosi in Perugia, Italy. Despite being knocked out in sparring by former ABA champion David Dent, Honeyghan’s performance remained unaffected as he achieved the rare feat of a foreign fighter obtaining a victory in Italy. Subsequently, Honeyghan defeated R.W. Smith, also known as Robert Smith, the current General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, in six rounds. Throughout 1985, Honeyghan remained highly active, securing victories against three US contenders: world title challenger Roger Stafford, followed by Danny Paul and Ralph Twinning.
Honeyghan and his manager Terry Lawless parted ways due to Honeyghan’s belief that Lawless was prioritizing Frank Bruno’s career over his own. This disagreement escalated following an altercation between Honeyghan and his trainer Jimmy Tibbs at Lawless’s Royal Oak gym, resulting in Honeyghan’s ban from the gym and his subsequent signing with Mickey Duff.
Under the guidance of former British featherweight champion Bobby Neill as his new trainer, Honeyghan concluded 1985 with a stoppage victory over fellow world-rated Briton and former stablemate Sylvester Mittee, claiming the British, European, and Commonwealth welterweight titles.
On May 20, 1986, Honeyghan halted top US contender Horace Shufford in eight rounds in London, earning himself a title shot against the unbeaten and undisputed welterweight world champion, Donald Curry of the US.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his undeniable success, Honeyghan’s career was not without controversy. His decision to relinquish the WBA welterweight title due to disagreements with the organization sparked debate within the boxing community. Additionally, his altered fighting style and subsequent losses raised questions about his longevity in the sport.
Personal Life
Honeyghan started his professional life as an apprentice printer at Fleet Street, where national newspapers were printed, after leaving school. He continued in this trade until transitioning to become a full-time professional boxer.
During his younger years, Honeyghan gained a reputation for his flashy dressing style and his popularity with the ladies. When he became a world champion, tabloid newspapers extensively covered his personal life, revealing that he had fathered five children with three different women, none of whom he had married.
In 1993, Honeyghan was attacked and hit on the head with a hammer during a weigh-in at the Thomas A’ Beckett gym. Darren Dyer, a fellow boxer, was arrested and charged with causing actual bodily harm after the attack, but was later acquitted in the trial. The altercation stemmed from bad blood between the two, originating from their time as sparring partners during Honeyghan’s preparation for a fight against Curry.
Despite having been friends with Frank Bruno in the past, Honeyghan entered the ring as a member of Oliver McCall’s camp during Bruno’s fight against McCall for the WBC World heavyweight title in September 1995. This decision drew criticism from British boxing fans.
Honeyghan and Mike Tyson are friends, and Honeyghan acted as Tyson’s guide when Tyson visited England. They first met at the Curry fight, where Tyson was ringside and impressed by Honeyghan’s performance.
In 2014, Honeyghan was involved in an altercation with Errol Christie at the Boxing Writers’ Club’s annual dinner at London’s Savoy Hotel. Despite once being close friends, the incident surprised many observers. Honeyghan’s health declined in retirement, and he reportedly suffered a heart attack in October 2017, followed by a pulmonary embolism in September 2020. Consequently, he is now wheelchair-bound. Honeyghan’s achievements were honored with a block of flats named after him in Southwark.
Legacy and Beyond
Beyond his boxing career, Honeyghan’s personal life and business ventures added layers to his story. From his flashy persona to his foray into music production, he captivated audiences both inside and outside the ring. Despite facing financial difficulties and health setbacks in retirement, his legacy as a boxing icon endures.
Lloyd Honeyghan’s journey from humble beginnings to boxing glory exemplifies the power of resilience and determination. As the “Raggamuffin Champion,” he left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Though his boxing days may be behind him, his legacy continues to inspire and resonate with fans worldwide.
