Charlie Nash

Charlie Nash felt that the 1972 München Olympics, in which he boxed for Ireland, kept him from a life of self-destruction after the brutal murder of his younger brother, William, by the British Army during The Troubles.

A British and two-time European lightweight champion, Nash had to identify his brother’s body after he was shot in the back by the Parachute Regiment while running for cover during a civil rights march on the streets of Derry. Nash chose to return to the gym two weeks later. He later stated, “Had there been no Olympic Games that year, I would’ve probably ended up in the IRA. Boxing saved my life.”

After the München Olympics, Nash turned professional. He débuted in October 1975 against Ray Ross, winning on points. He won the EBU lightweight title in June 1979, defeating André Holyk on points. In March 1980 he fought Jim Watt for the World Boxing Council lightweight crown but lost by TKO. He lost his EBU title in May 1981 when he was knocked out by Giuseppe Gibilisco and would lose three of his final five bouts before retiring. He would fight as a pro until a TKO loss in March 1983 against René Weller, compiling a professional record of 25 wins (9 by KO) and 5 losses.

Nash became a boxing coach at St. Mary’s ABC, working with young fighters. One of 12 children, Charlie Nash considered William his best friend. His death led Charlie to years of depression, although he only felt the effects after hanging up his gloves. He credited his wife, Betty, with keeping him going through the darkest days.