James Mcgirt

James Walter “Buddy” McGirt was born on January 17, 1964. He began his professional boxing career in 1982, the same year he graduated from Brentwood High School. Early in his career, McGirt demonstrated potential, and by 1985, he secured the WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title. He achieved his first major world title in 1988, winning the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior welterweight title. This was followed by a successful defense against Howard Davis Jr. before he lost the title to Meldrick Taylor. In 1991, McGirt claimed the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title by defeating Simon Brown, solidifying his status as a two-division world champion. His boxing record concluded in 1997 with 73 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, including 48 knockouts.

Following his retirement as a boxer, McGirt embarked on a career as a boxing trainer. He quickly established himself in this new role, earning the Boxing Writers’ Association of America Trainer of the Year award in 2002. McGirt’s training philosophy emphasized teaching the fundamentals of boxing. He worked with numerous world champions, including Arturo Gatti, Antonio Tarver, Hasim Rahman, Paulie Malignaggi, and Sergey Kovalev. His guidance was instrumental in Sergey Kovalev’s unanimous decision victory against Eleider Alvarez in their rematch, demonstrating his impact as a trainer. McGirt was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his contributions to the sport as both a fighter and a trainer.

Throughout his career, McGirt was known for his boxing skills and strategic approach in the ring. As a trainer, he has continued to apply his extensive knowledge and experience, working with fighters to develop their abilities. He currently coaches WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. His journey from an aspiring young boxer who was told he was “too small” to a two-time world champion and a highly respected trainer exemplifies his determination and enduring commitment to the sport of boxing.