Danika McGuigan, the actress daughter of legendary boxer Barry McGuigan, has died at the age of 30.
The former world champion and his family released a statement confirming the news on Wednesday morning.It read: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika ‘Nika’ McGuigan.
“After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 23rd July, surrounded by her loving family.
“As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika.”
Danika, known as Nika to her friends and family, appeared in several films including Philomena, Wildfire and Mammal. More recently, she also starred in the
Irish TV series Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope.Danika was Barry McGuigan’s only daughter. He also has three sons, Shane, Jake and Blane.
Barry won the featherweight world title in 1985 when he beat Eusebio Pedroza. He was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000.
He has since gone on to found Cyclone Promotions, which represents current world champion Josh Taylor who is trained by Shane.
Danika previously told the Times how her father had inspired her.
She said: “What I admire about Dad is his determination. If he decides he’s going to do something, he does it.
“When he was preparing mentally for his fights, he would say to us ‘You could train all day in
boxing, but if you didn’t have the right mental attitude you might stay standing for half a round, but you were never going to win a fight’.
“I know there’s been one figure who, throughout, has been a huge inspiration to me. That’s my dad.”