Belfast boxer Ray Close dies aged 57
Ray Close, the Belfast boxer who came close to giving Chris Eubank the first defeat of his professional career, has died aged 57, BBC Sport reported. The available report identifies Close’s Belfast connection and his near-upset against Eubank, but provides no further details about the circumstances or timing of his death.
Ray Close, a boxer from Belfast, has died at the age of 57, according to BBC Sport.
Close was known for coming close to handing Chris Eubank the first defeat of Eubank’s career. The report does not provide details of the bout’s date, location, result or the circumstances of Close’s death.
No information was supplied about the cause of death, funeral arrangements or tributes. BBC Sport was the source of the report published on 2 October 2026.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
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How might the absence of details about his death affect public understanding of his final years?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026
