Leroy Haley

Leroy Haley, affectionately known as "Irish," was a formidable American boxer who made his mark in the super-lightweight division. Born on December 27, 1952, in Garland County, Arkansas, Haley later moved to Las Vegas, where he would establish himself as a rising star in the boxing world. Despite the lack of notable amateur achievements, Haley's professional career, which spanned from 1973 to 1985, was marked by significant milestones and encounters with world-class opponents.

Haley's professional debut took place on May 9, 1973, at the Silver Slipper in Paradise, Nevada, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Manny Castillo. One of Haley's most notable achievements came in 1982 when he captured the WBC light welterweight title with a split decision win over Saoul Mamby. He went on to defend the title twice before losing it to Bruce Curry in 1983. Haley's bouts against Mamby and Curry showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, demonstrating a blend of technical skill and determination that earned him respect within the boxing community.

Throughout his career, Haley faced a variety of opponents, each presenting unique challenges. His fight against Willie Rodriguez, where he won the NABF super lightweight title, was a testament to his growing reputation as a formidable contender. Haley's final professional outing took place on December 6, 1985, at the Felt Forum in New York City, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ricky Young. This bout marked the end of a career that included 57 fights, with a final record of 48 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws. Despite his retirement, Haley's legacy remains as a boxer who consistently pushed himself against the best of his time, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Haley's career was also marked by his encounters with other notable fighters, including Billy Costello, against whom he fought for the WBC super lightweight title in 1985. Haley's trainer, Eddie Futch, played a significant role in shaping his career, providing guidance that helped him navigate the complexities of professional boxing.

Leroy Haley passed away on November 1, 2018, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be celebrated by boxing fans and historians alike.