Big Joe Egan, affectionately known as Big Joe, was born and bred in Dublin, Ireland. His introduction to the world of boxing began with a baptism by fire, as he fought the national junior champion Steve Collins in his first ring fight. This initial encounter was a precursor to a long and storied career, marked by numerous victories, titles, and accolades.
By the age of 24, Joe had amassed an impressive record of over 80 wins, with 7 Irish titles and a Golden Gloves Championship to his name. He proudly wore the green vest of Ireland, competing 11 times for his country, and even went the distance with the formidable Lennox Lewis, as well as beating future WBA champion Bruce Seldon. The fight against Seldon was a thrilling contest that captivated those in attendance.
Floyd Patterson's encouragement led Joe to pursue his boxing dreams in the United States, where he joined Mike Tyson's training camp in the Catskill mountains under the guidance of the legendary Cus D'Amato. Joe developed a close bond with Tyson, who hailed him as the "Toughest White Man on the Planet" after a particularly intense sparring session. The two remained the closest of friends.
Tragedy struck when Joe was forced to retire from boxing following a serious road accident on the night of his second professional fight. The aftermath of this event marked a significant downturn in Joe's fortunes, as he struggled to regain his footing and find stability in his personal life. His high-profile relationship with Lisa Murphy, his former fiancée, ended abruptly when she left him for Lord of the Dance creator Michael Flatley. The downward spiral continued when Joe's new pub business venture led him into a confrontation with organized protection racketeers, resulting in a shooting and an attempted murder charge.
After an absence of 12 years, Big Joe Egan made a triumphant return to the ring in May 2004, at the age of 38. He later ventured into acting, with a personal invitation from Guy Ritchie to appear as himself in the film Sherlock Holmes (2009). Today, Joe remains actively involved in the world of boxing, continuing to support and participate in various events and fights.
