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  • Writer's pictureJonathan Snowden

Boxer Jordan Gill Opens Up About Mental Health Struggle and Hopes to Make History in Boxing

Howard Foster, who was the referee, stopped the match between Jordan Gill and Michael Conlan in the 7th round.


Right, so Conlan was totally out of his league and Gill just totally dominated him in Belfast.


That was such an amazing victory for him! We didn't realize that Gill was facing something much more significant than just boxing.


"On June 30 I was at a field and I consumed a bottle of vodka, I was planning to end my own life"


Boxing is a really strong sport, but it takes even more bravery to talk about personal things, like mental health, which is what Oscar did.


After losing to Kiko Martinez, Gill suffered from depression and anxiety, but he kept it to himself.


"I lost the fight against Martinez and then I had to stay at home for a few months. It all seemed really hopeless at the time," I said.


"I couldn't find any point in getting up and was feeling really down."


I knew I was lost, and Leigh Wood could tell.


Apart from the weight of the loss, Gill's relationship with his wife deteriorated completely and he also ended his long-standing association with trainer Dave Coldwell leaving a sour taste in his mouth.


Gill, being here for 10 years as a professional made my relationship with my wife suffer, when I didn't have a trainer or a coach, I became delusional and didn't want to remain here any longer.


It looks like Jim hit rock bottom in June, when he was discovered in a field trying to kill himself.


It was at this point that I sought help from my long-time friend and WBA featherweight champion Leigh Wood, who was preparing for his title fight with Josh Warrington.


"Hey, I got in touch with my good friend Leigh Wood, we used to stay together in Sheffield for around 6 or 7 years," I said.


"He understood that I was feeling a bit lost and required guidance from him" Something felt off to him.


I went to a training camp with my friend in July in Fuerteventura and thankfully, he asked me to join him. It was a really great opportunity to practice our skills and improve our performance together.


Being with Wood, Gill could sense a shift in attitude.


Barry Smith is the name of the new trainer that he hired. In the fight against Conlan, he showed a completely different fighting style where he was more aggressive and on the offense.


Wood helped me get back to the right path.


"We have become more like brothers, we have spent a lot of time together and now we have developed a bond where we both want each other to succeed", stated Gill.


"He means everything to me and I'm so glad that he is doing well. I'd to the end of the world for him and I think he'd do the same for me."


'This feeling will also pass away, just like everything else.'


Gill is opening a gym close to his town in Cambridgeshire that aims to boost the mental health of its members.


"My advice to those who are going through a tough time is that no matter how bad things are feeling right now, it won't last forever," he said.


"There are numerous ways in which you can improve your life. It might be something as simple as going to the gym or taking a walk in the morning or maybe eating a bit healthier. But, no matter what you choose, remember that better days are just ahead."


14 months outside boxing, got shocked when i heard that he got back into the ring with a win over Conlan.


The 28th victory in 31 bouts for the Chatteris boxer was against the Belfast fighter, however his opponent was favored to win.


He likes to say that he is the first sikh featherweight champion hope to make a history.


"My dad's family are Sikh, and he is of Indian descent. That's our heritage."


"We don't adhere strictly to Sikh beliefs and practices but we often visit the gurdwara for special occasions like weddings."


"It's like winning a superstar award"


"I want to win a world title, that's what my goal is"


I would really like to be a world champion.

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