Ringside – Fighters Outside the Ring

Sometimes the fight is that much harder outside the ring. Even after the final bell has sounded, there are fighters, left alone. In a struggle. After a career in the boxing ring. Entertaining boxing fans. The expended pugilist remains in a fight for survival. Literally.

Having witnessed the decline of the life of a fighter who has given their all in the ring.

One of my favourite quotes comes from a speech titled “The Man in the Arena”, written by Theodore Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States of America. The words ring true and speak volumes:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…”

You can often hear spectators at boxing promotions boldly state that too. Often shouting instructions at the beaten fighter, confident in what they would have done—had they been in the ring. Watching boxing or actually engaging in the fight is like two completely different sports.

Let’s face it, boxing is hard. Brutally hard.
It has two plain and simple instructions: Hit and do not get hit.

The goal is straightforward—land enough clean punches to win on points or stop your opponent before they stop you. But behind that simplicity is a lifetime of sacrifice, discipline, and courage. Some match-ups are competitive; others are horribly one-sided, where a fighter finds themselves out of their depth, often risking more than just pride.

The physical and mental toll of boxing is immense. While the world sees the glory of title belts and roaring crowds, the truth is this: a large percentage of boxers leave the sport with little financial security and significant health challenges, both mental and physical.

When the final bell sounds on their careers, for many fighters, that is it.
No encore. No pensions. No standing ovation.

Where once there were cheers, too often there are only whispers. Whispers about how another fighter has fallen by the wayside. We have heard it before:

“Something should be done.” But “something” is never clear and rarely followed by action.

That is why I am proud to speak on behalf of The Ringside Trust.

This charity exists to support boxers and the wider boxing community. It offers support in the form of wellbeing, mental health services, addiction recovery, financial advice, and emotional care – for those experiencing challenges after the gloves are hung up.

Some fighters have even given their lives in the ring. Isn’t it only right that promoters, broadcasters, and those who’ve profited most from the sport should give something back?
The boxers take the blows—those outside the ropes reap the riches.

As someone who once stood in that square ring, I ask you – whether you are a boxing fan, fighter, promoter or journalist – to use your platform, your voice, and your influence.
Get active on social media. Spread the word. Encourage those who are able, especially current champions and high-profile names, to engage with and support The Ringside Trust.

Boxing is not a transferable skill. Many fighters struggle to adapt to a 9-5 world.
After years of entertaining crowds and putting their bodies on the line, they deserve more than just memories – they deserve support, respect, and a safety net.

Please stand with us.
Support The Ringside Trust.