Sky Sports has released a new documentary titled The Final Round, which explores the mental health struggles, financial turmoil, and identity crises that professional boxers encounter after retiring from the sport.
The film features extensive interviews with former world champions, trainers, and promoters, weaving together themes of sacrifice, addiction, and ego.
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Promoter Steve Wood highlights the stark financial reality, noting that ninety percent of the fighters he manages do not earn enough money to pay tax.
Former world champion Ricky Hatton reflected on the internal battles boxers face when considering retirement.
"Many boxers tell themselves, 'I've got one more good fight in me,'" Hatton said. "Nine times out of 10, you haven't.
That was the case with me."
Former world champion Johnny Nelson emphasized that a fighter's psychological drive persists long after physical abilities decline.
"Ego never leaves a fighter, and that's the problem," Nelson said.
Heavyweight veteran Dave Allen addressed the profound loss of personal identity that accompanies stepping away from competition.
"Apart from 'Dad', I'm just a boxer. I'm not even David, the normal human being," Allen said.
Former world champion Josh Warrington described the unique sensory high of fight days.
"I wake up on fight day and it's like everything's brighter, everything smells better, I'm more alert... that's an unreal feeling," Warrington said.
He underscored the difficulty of adjusting to life after boxing.
"Once that stops, you'll never feel it again," Warrington said.
