James Walter “Buddy” McGirt is a distinguished American former professional boxer and renowned boxing trainer, whose career has spanned several decades. He began his professional boxing journey in 1982, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the ring. McGirt achieved significant success, holding world championships in two weight classes, including the IBF junior welterweight title in 1988 and the WBC and lineal welterweight titles from 1991 to 1993. His impressive record of 73 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with 48 knockouts, showcases his talent and dedication to the sport.

After retiring from boxing in 1997, McGirt transitioned into a successful career as a trainer. He has worked with numerous world champions, including Arturo Gatti, Antonio Tarver, and Sergey Kovalev, demonstrating his ability to develop and mentor fighters. His training philosophy emphasizes the importance of teaching, stating, “Anybody can train but not many people can teach.” This commitment to education in boxing earned him the prestigious Trainer of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2002.

Throughout his training career, McGirt has been instrumental in preparing fighters for high-stakes bouts, including leading Kovalev to victory in a rematch against Eleider Alvarez. His expertise and experience have made him a sought-after trainer, and he continues to work with top-ranked fighters, including current WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.

McGirt’s contributions to boxing have been recognized through multiple hall of fame inductions, including the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019. His legacy as both a champion in the ring and a respected trainer continues to inspire future generations of boxers, solidifying his status as a significant figure in the sport.