Maguire

After British and Commonwealth bantamweight title defeats, Maguire would avenge a previous loss against David Needham in 1975 to get his hands on the Lonsdale Belt – and in the build-up, reunited with Ali at Wembley.

In August 1977, they met again in the Grosvenor House Hotel for a testimonial in honour of Ali’s friend Paddy Monaghan, the Fermanagh-born bare-knuckle boxer.

By then, Maguire had drawn with European champion Daniel Trioulaire, while a second crack at the title brought a loss to Franco Zurlo before defeat by Johnny Owen proved his final stand.

“There were ups and down,” Maguire says of his career, “but it’s one I’m proud of.”

While his days in the ring were over, he would remain connected to the sport, serving as a member of the British Boxing Board of Control’s Northern Ireland Council.

On Saturday, Maguire will watch from home as Taylor, a trailblazer for women’s boxing, makes the same walk as Ali.

“I’ve had the opportunity to tell my kids and grandchildren about my time there, so for those boxing this time, they can do the same one day,” he said.

“Katie Taylor has had a great career and deserves her big night, but hopefully it’s not another 50 years before boxing’s back in Croke Park.”

The 31-year-old became the first Irish player to represent Europe in the competition when she was selected for the 2021 version and broke the all-time rookie points record for either the Solheim Cup or Ryder Cup with a contribution of 4.5 points as the away team triumphed 15-13.

The County Cavan woman’s overall individual record in the competition after also taking part in the two subsequent editions reads eight wins, one half and three defeats.

“It’s one of my favourite events. It’s a team event which we don’t get to do very often and matchplay which I love,” she explained.

“I think once you’re part of one Solheim, the same as the Ryder Cup, you don’t want to miss any more.

“It’s competitive, there’s no money on the line, it’s all just for pride and all the rest. You’re doing whatever you can to help your teammates and the team.

“We obviously lost the last one so there’s an extra incentive to try and bring it back this time.”

Maguire, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour and a one-time victor on the Ladies European Tour, hopes the backing of home supporters can help Europe reclaim the trophy at the 20th running of the event.

“Home support always helps as well. There was massive Irish support in Spain two times ago so hopefully a few Irish will maybe make the trip to Holland.”