Irish boxing legend Bernard Dunne has shared how he learned of his wife’s cancer diagnosis the day after he returned from the 2021 Olympics.

The former two-time World champion was the High Performance Director for the IABA [Irish Athletic Boxing Association] during the Olympic stint which saw Kellie Harrington claim Gold in the Womens 60kg contest.

The Dublin native resigned from his position in 2022 following an employment dispute, but has said watching Kellie Harrington win Gold at the Olympics is his proudest boxing moment.

Irish boxing legend Bernard Dunne has shared how he learned of his wife’s cancer diagnosis the day after he returned from the 2021 Olympics. Pic: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

As the 45-year-old opens up on his wife, Pamela’s cancer diagnosis, Extra.ie take a look inside the personal life of the boxing icon.

BOXING

Bernard turned professional in 2001, training under legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach in the Wild Card Boxing Gym in the United States of America. After his first 14 wins, Bernard returned to Ireland where he trained under Brian Peters — the man who currently manages Katie Taaylor.

Dunne famously took on Spaniard Kiko Martinez at a sold-out Point Theatre for the European super bantamweight title which resulted in a huge shock when Martinez knocked the Dubliner out in the first 86 seconds of the bout.

Bernard Dunne takes a right from Kiko Martinez during the first round of their fight in 2007. Pic: David Maher/Sportsfile

After the defeat, he became ‘ruthless’ about his nutrition and hydration. His attention turned to becoming world champion against Ricardo Cordoba, which he did in 2009.

Dunne retired from professional boxing in 2010, and was later joined the IABA as the High Performance Director.

Bernard Dunne has been married to Pamela Rooney since January, 2004, with the pair sharing two children — Caoimhe and Finn. Pic: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

PERSONAL LIFE

Bernard Dunne has been married to Pamela Rooney since January, 2004, with the pair sharing two children — Caoimhe and Finn.

This week, Bernard opened up on Pamela’s cancer diagnosis, revealing he learned of her illness the day after he returned from the Tokyo Olympics.

He said: ‘I don’t think there’s a family in the country, possibly in the world, that has not been impacted by the dreaded C-word.

Hurling for Cancer Research organiser Una Manning and Ursula Jacob, Kilkenny’s TJ Reid and Centra Interim Managing Director Des O’Mahony, Director of Clinical Affairs at the Irish Cancer Society Amy Nolan, Jockey Danny Mullins, Jockey Rachael Blackmore and Bernard Dunne.

‘We’ve had it in my family with my wife. I found out the day I came home from the Olympic Games.’

The father-of-two noted that Pamela’s cancer was ‘aggressive’ but she was fortunately ‘fabulous now.’

The former boxer was talking ahead of the annual Hurling For Cancer charity match, which has been running since 2011 and has raised more than €1.6m.

The 2025 event takes place next month, on Monday, August 18 at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow.