It’s startling, isn’t it? Boxing.
Only a handful of years ago, Anthony Ogogo had the World at his feet and an Olympic medal proudly draped around his neck. He’d signed a contract with Golden Boy Promotions and was tipped for the top by former-Chief Exec, Richard Schaefer. Ogogo became the face of the enormous, global sandwich chain Subway, demonstrating his crossover appeal instantly.
Sadly, as they often do, injuries stalled the promising fighter’s career. A stint with Sauerland Promotions in Europe and with his seemingly stop-start progression becoming routine, it all culminated in a well-matched bout with Birmingham’s Craig Cunningham.
Anyone reading who has recently been privy to Ogogo’s social media content will be wholly aware of his current situation. He had lost more than a fight. That bout with Cunningham, in which he suffered a fractured eye-socket, had left him 78% visually impaired.
Since then, he’s travelled far-and-wide in search of medical treatment. He’s been hunting second and third opinions from specialists leading in their field. Ogogo has been doing that, not to live a normal life at full capacity – but in the hopes of stepping through the ropes once again.
Now, I don’t box – never have. So, for me to pass judgement would be unfair and hypocritical. Even with a limited experience of the sport though, I can say that ‘I get it’.
Ed Levine, the president of the IBO, once told me that boxing was an infection. He’d been exposed to it’s virus in the mid-nineties and had been sick ever since. It does something to people.
If you’ve never plucked up the courage to step through the door of a gym, you’ll never know. If you haven’t trained until your arms go numb and you’ve needed assistance to take off your t-shirt, you’ll struggle to relate. Punching the bag, repeating patterns and rehearsing one shot for hours-on-end, only to finally feel it click into place. If you’ve never swallowed fear and ignored those nervous pangs in your stomach as you walk towards the ring – how can you understand?
Twelve weeks in camp. No friends. No family. No partner. No ‘diet starts on Monday’. No second chances on the night. No guarantee that the outcome will reward the man or woman who has sacrificed the most. No promise of a just and fair outcome. Will you seize the moment and shine? Will your opponent stifle your best work and reduce you to a messy brawl?
Boxing, as in life, is riddled with inconsistencies.
Anthony Ogogo is ten days into his recovery from surgery on his eyes. His last roll of the dice, you could say. He’s a handsome, talented and extremely likeable young man who could have a career within the media, but that’s not what he’d dreamt of. It’s not what he bled and struggled for. The money behind the microphone wasn’t to be sniffed at, but it didn’t come attached to personal pride. Not for Ogogo, anyway.
Many will find it frustrating that he looks to a return in boxing to find self-fulfilment. The emotional strangle the sport has over him is evident when watching his videos. The fighting he’s done in Doctor’s offices or surgeon’s chairs may be his finest work. Hard luck and hardship may always be his toughest opponent, and he’s giving it a hell of a fight.
Mexican warrior and former World champion Israel Vasquez lost his eye to the sport. Gone. Injuries accrued through a stereotypical Latin career had resulted in irreparable damage. Vasquez now has a glass eye and must wear special glasses most of the time. It would be fascinating to hear his thoughts on boxing and the weight of being a ‘warrior’. I think you’d be surprised if you asked him whether it was worth it.
As retired fighters struggle with the gaping hole boxing leaves in their heart, Ogogo clutches at straws, understandably. I know boys that train with him in Hammersmith who tell me he looks excellent in the gym, making it harder, surely, to walk away.
Names such as Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton had faced their demons following illustrious careers, fulfilling their potential. Ogogo hadn’t had that chance, yet. Even names like Enzo Maccarinelli and Darren Barker have discussed comebacks in the last two weeks, both well past their best and victims of serious injuries. It never leaves you.
Whatever happens in the coming weeks and months, Anthony will chase his comeback. If he succeeds, we should wish him well and respect his decision, as hard as that may be. Whether it’s viable and whether the Board would allow it are altogether different questions, soon to be answered.
Boxing is an incredible sickness. Incredible.
Article by: Craig Scott
Follow Craig on Twitter at: @craigscott209