Gordon Ferris

Born in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, and a lock-keeper by trade,^[1] Ferris had a distinguished amateur career, winning a bronze medal at the 1974 Commonwealth Games and five Irish amateur titles.^[2][3]

After missing out on selection for the 1976 Olympic Games, Ferris took the decision to turn professional and made his pro debut in December 1977 with a win over Keith Steve Johnson. He won 14 of his first 18 pro fights, leading to a final eliminator for the British heavyweight title in September 1980 against Tommy Kiely, with the Irish and Northern Ireland Area titles also at stake; He won on points over 12 rounds, leading to a fight with Billy Aird for the vacant British title. He won by a 15-round points decision to become British champion.^[1][4] He lost the title in his first defence, against Neville Meade in October 1981, losing by a first-round knockout.^[1] He attempted to get another shot at the title but was beaten in a final eliminator in June 1982 by David Pearce, after which he retired from boxing.^[2]

He subsequently ran pubs in Gloucester and Stoke-on-Trent.^[2]

The Irish rugby union player, Finlay Bealham is his first cousin once removed.^[5]