ONE of Scotland’s greatest ever boxers, Dick McTaggart, has passed away at the age of 89.
The Dundonian was just 21 when he won Olympic gold in Melbourne in 1956 – the only Scottish boxer to ever do so.
Dick McTaggart is considered one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time[/caption]
The Scot won bronze at the 1960 Olympics having won gold four years earlier[/caption]
He is widely considered to be the greatest athlete to come from Dundee[/caption]
That also earned the lightweight the Val Barker Trophy at those Games for the best boxing style.
McTaggart then followed that up by taking bronze at the Rome Olympics in 1960.
He also won Commonwealth Games gold in Cardiff in 1958 and silver in Perth four years later and was also crowned European champion in 1961.
In total, McTaggart compiled an incredible record of 610 wins from 634 contests.
He was awarded an MBE in 1985 for services to amateur boxing and was also voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and its Scottish equivalent.
McTaggart – one of a family of 18 – later moved into coaching and worked with Team Scotland ahead of the 1986 and 1990 Commonwealth Games.
He is widely considered to be Dundee’s greatest ever athlete, with his family confirming he had died in the early hours of this morning.
A statement said: “In loving memory of Dick McTaggart, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend.
“A true gentleman and legend in the boxing world.
“His kindness determination, humour and spirit will never be forgotten.
“He will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts. Rest peacefully.”
McTaggart told the Courier a few years ago what winning Olympic gold had meant to him.
He said: “When we got the train back to Dundee, thousands of people in the city turned out on the streets to welcome me home.
“It brought tears to my eyes.
“Fellow boxers John McVicar and Peter Cain hoisted me up on their shoulders and carried me up the stairs and out of the railway station.
“And then there were thousands of people who had lined the streets and were cheering.
“I couldn’t believe this was happening.
“We got in an open top motor and made the journey up to our house at Dens Road.
“It was unbelievable, but it was the greatest thing in the world.”
Tributes poured in as news of McTaggart’s sad passing spread.
London Boxing History wrote on X: “Rest in peace Dick McTaggart who has passed away at the age of 89. A true legend of British boxing.
“One of our greatest if not THE greatest amateurs of all time. A sad day for the sport.”
And Dundee Culture added: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear the news that Dick McTaggart has passed away at the age of 89.
“This amazing Dundonian was a legendary boxer and was a sporting inspiration.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. We’ve lost one of our greatest.”
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