Paddy Hughes

Prior to going to the Los Angeles Olympics, Paddy Hughes had four Irish titles to his credit, having won the flyweight title in 1929-30 and the bantamweight one in 1931 and 1932. He also won the 1932 Tailteann Games bantamweight title in Dublin with a knockout win over Gilbert Johnstone of Scotland.

Hughes fought as a bantamweight at the 1932 Olympics but controversially lost his opening bout on points on a split decision to the Argentinian Carlos Pereyra. Many believed the decision should have gone the other way after Hughes pounded his opponent with some powerful punches, which led to cuts above Pereyra’s eyes. The Argentinian was taken to hospital after the fight and took no further part in the Games.

After adding the featherweight titles in 1933 and 1935 to become the first man to win Irish amateur titles at three different weights, Hughes announced his retirement in 1935 after 170 fights and just 18 defeats. He made a brief comeback in 1936 before ultimately calling it a day.