Tributes pour in for Dick McTaggart, dead at 89

Tributes pour in for Dick McTaggart

The 'Dundee Destroyer's' sad passing was announced by his family.

Richard McTaggart was born 15th October 1935 in Dundee, Scotland.

The national treasure is the only ever Scottish boxer in history to win a gold medal, which happened almost 70 years ago now.

The amateur boxer won gold at Olympic (1956 Melbourne) and Commonwealth Games (1958 Cardiff), and European Championships (1961 Belgrade).

During the 1956 Games, McTaggart was awarded with the Val Barker Trophy, which is presented every four years to the most "outstanding boxer" at the Olympic Games. It's essentially an award to declare the top "pound for pound" boxer in the Olympics.

He retired with an amateur record of 610 wins out of 634 bouts, which is arguably the greatest record of all-time.

He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1985 Birthday Honours for services to amateur boxing in Scotland.

In retirement, McTaggart worked as a boxing coach and prepared the Scottish team to the 1986 and 1990 Commonwealth Games. In 2002, he was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame. His four brothers were also amateur boxers.

McTaggart died of complications from dementia on 9th March 2025, at the age of 89. At the time of his death, Dick had been living with the disease for nearly two years.

His family issues this emotional social media statement: "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."

BBN would like to extend their deepest condolences to Dick McTaggart's family and friends.