Born in Kilmarnock, Scotland on February 2, 1934.
One of the most respected voices in British sports journalism, McIlvanney is known for his wit, humor and eloquence. He has been voted the UK's “Sports Writer of the Year” seven times and is the only sports writer to be named Britain's “Journalist of the Year.” During his acclaimed career, he has written for The Kilmarnock Standard, The Daily Express, The Scotsman, Sports Illustrated and, for three decades, The Observer (1962-1993). From 1993 - 2002 he was the chief sports writer for The Sunday Times.
McIlvanney was awarded the OBE in 1996 and was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Scottish Press Awards in 2004.
Regarded as one of the foremost sports journalists, McIlvanney has been at ringside to cover legendary prizefighters Muhammad Ali, Carlos Ortiz, Carlos Monzon, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. He has also published books including McIlvanney on Boxing and The Hardest Game.
McIlvanney was awarded the 1986 Nat Fleischer Memorial Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism by the BWAA.
Born: Feb. 2, 1934
Died: Jan. 24, 2019
Induction: 2009
Hugh McIlvanney
