page_title: Alexander McKay (boxer)
hierarchical_section_title: Alexander McKay (boxer)
context_page_description: Alexander McKay 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 in churchyard 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"
context_section_description: 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 in churchyard 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"
caption: One of the few known images of Alexander McKay, a poster advertising the match between him and Simon Byrne (right)
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