Born in Kilnaneave, County Tipperary in 1883, Haugh gained his early boxing experience while serving in the armed forces.
[citation needed] On 19 January 1914, he defeated the former British amateur heavyweight champion Dick Smith on points.
[1][2][3] However, Haugh lost to Smith in a rematch on 9 March 1914 in a 20-round points decision, where he continued to box despite breaking his left forearm in the 9th round.
The winner of this bout received the newly created Lonsdale Belt.
[citation needed] His nephew John Haugh won All-Ireland Senior Hurling titles with Tipperary in 1951, 1958 and 1961.