Alexander McKay

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This article is about a heavyweight fighter. For the former mayor of Hamilton, Ontario, please see Alexander McKay (politician).

One of the only known images of Alexander McKay, a poster advertising the match between him and Simon Byrne (right)

Alexander McKay (1804 - 1830) was a Scottish heavyweight bare-knuckle fighter. He fought in just five prize fights, these are:

Loss to Simon Byrne after 47 mins, in 5 rounds on 3 May 1827
Win over Peter Curran after 18 mins - in 1828
Win over Paul Spencer after 25 rounds on 16 October 1828 £40
Win over Paul Spencer after 30 mins in 34 rounds on 17 February 1829
Loss to Simon Byrne after 53 mins in 47 rounds on 2 June 1830

McKay died of a brain haemorrhage 30 hours after his second fight against Byrne. The news of his death was greeted in his native Scotland by rioting in which several lost their lives. He is buried close to where he fell in the village of Hanslope, Buckinghamshire. The following epitaph is engraved on his tombstone.

"Strong and athletic was my frame

Far from my native home I came

And bravely fought with Simon Byrne

Alas, but never to return.

Stranger take warning from my fate

Lest you should rue your case too late

If you have ever fought before

Determine now to fight no more"