James Moore grew up in Arklow, County Wicklow and was in a boxing gym from 6 years of age. His amateur career was in his own words a “late developer” in fact he never won an Irish title at schoolboy, youth or junior level in the early days. It wasn’t long until he would start to have great success beginning with an Irish Intermediate title in 1997. The goal was always to win that National Elite title, but standing in his way was the seasoned, Neil Gough. After coming up short in semi-finals and finals to the Waterford man, he would eventually claim that senior title in 2001 beating Gough in the final. James would soon add a Four Nations gold medal before representing Ireland at the 2001 World Senior championships in Belfast.

Those championships would prove to be the greatest week of James’ amateur career. He would go on to claim the only bronze medal from a strong Irish team. James talks about what he had to overcome having 5 fights in 6 days to win his medal. He also talks about sparring stories with Carl Frochin the training camp and nights out with David Haye. After this success at these championships, he would find the next year or so a struggle with injuries, constant training camps and the tragedy of losing 3 of his best friends in a caraccident. James would still continue to have success in 2002-2003 winning 2 more Irish Elite titles and multiple Four Nation gold medals, but when an Olympic place wasn’t secured in 2004, he knew that professional boxing was thenext step in his career.

James would move to New York and train in the famous Gleason’s Gym and quickly build up an undefeated record over the next 3 years. He would add a New York State title and top the bill at Madison Square Garden, Theatre. He would build a 15-0 undefeated record before losing a dubious decision to Gabriel Rosado in 2008. He would go on to win 2 more fights before losing a points decision to future World Champion, Yuri Foreman for the NABF title and Pawel Wolak in his final fight at Yankee Stadium. Since retirement, James has become a part owner in a successful bar in Queens, NY and is happy and content in the States with his wife and 3 kids. He is a humble man who very rarely talks about his boxing story, so I am really excited to release this to you all.