More stories

  • in

    ‘I was there to lose’ – Confessions of journeyman boxer who LOST 96 fights but has WON battles with cocaine and booze

    JOURNEYMAN boxer Johnny Greaves battled drugs, booze, depression and abuse throughout his 100-fight pro career.The 46-year-old East Londoner admits he was “no better than useless” as he lost 96 TIMES.Johnny Greaves is one of Britain’s most celebrated journeyman boxersCredit: RexGreaves had 100 fights, winning his finalCredit: GettyHe would take some fights at the last minute, entering the ring on a stomach of lager, while also battling a debilitating cocaine habit and praying he would LOSE to guarantee further pay-days.Fans would SPIT on him as he walked into the ring and Greaves admitted that, at times, he was treated “no better than a dog.”But, no matter how big a beating he took, he never missed a day working as a self-employed painter-decorator to put food on the table for his missus Vicky, daughter Ruby and son Teddy.When Greaves turned pro in 2007, aged 30, he’d already fought 50 unlicensed and 30 amateur bouts.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut after being told he would earn just £800 a fight as a new pro, building up his name and needing to sell tickets, he swapped to the away corner.Knowing he could make almost £2,000 a pop as an opponent for up-and-coming stars, he forfeited his desire to be a champ.Greaves has relived his astonishing career for a new book called Bright Lights and Dark CornersAnd in an exclusive SunSport interview, Greaves revealed: “At the time I was skint. I didn’t have a lot of work on.Most read in Sport“Vicky and I had just moved into a place, Teddy had just been born with severe clubfoot, so he was in and out of hospitals every other day.“I was struggling badly.”However, his decision kick-started one of the most celebrated journeyman boxing careers in Britain, with Greaves fighting up to 20 TIMES a year.Britain’s next Tyson Fury set for world title & Taylor urged to fight on | Split DecisionRecalling his 2008 points loss to Ryan Walsh, Greaves revealed: “I’d just opened my third can of Fosters when my phone rang at 4.30pm on the Saturday.“I took the fight, agreed the money and was in the ring boxing at the Excel Arena at about ten past six.”On another occasion in 2012, Greaves, who also has a coaching licence, was set to act as a cornerman for Jody Meikle at York Hall – only to fight opponent Eren Arif himself.Greaves added: “I remember the promoter running out asking, ‘What do you weigh?’ I replied, ‘10st 6?’“He continued, ‘Do you want a fight?’ I said, ‘F***, what are you paying?’“So we discussed the money, then I phoned the missus to meet me at the station with a bag, my shorts, boots and a gum shield.“She passed the bag over the counter, I rushed back to York Hall and I was fighting about half an hour after that.”Greaves is very honest about the fight game, insisting money came first for him and winning could have affected his chances of earning.It’s not what a lot of people think, how the boxing game works. But let’s have it right – it’s a business, it’s not sport.Johnny Greaves He said: “I don’t wanna make it look like it’s bent, but, look, I boxed nine world champions, I boxed over 20 British champions.“I boxed the best fighters in the world – Anthony Crolla, Jamie Cox, Johan Perez.“Or, you’re boxing against young lads that look, let’s have it right, if you win these fights, you’re gonna lose work for yourself, you then become a risk, so you play the game.“You don’t let your hands go against these kids, you play through, get through nice and safe, get paid, lose on points, hopefully.”And then you fight again the week after.”But while he was boxing, Greaves harboured a secret not even his family knew.He was battling a cocaine addiction so fierce he would even take it on fight nights.He confessed: “I’m disgusted about the way I went through things with the drugs through my career. ‘Things were pretty crazy’“Recreational drugs, nothing performance enhancing. If anything it’s performance debilitating, to be honest.“Getting through packets of cocaine, just just to control my nerves, control my moods. I had a habit and I’m really disgusted about it.”Johnny Greaves in action against Dan Stewart in 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationJohnny Greaves with a swollen eye against Bradley Skeete in 2011Credit: GettyIn 2009, Greaves fought Oisin Fagan in Dublin on the back of a massive booze bender.Greaves recalled: “I was on my own in a hotel room and up all hours of the night doing what I was doing.“I got in and boxed the top Irish lad the next day. Things were pretty crazy then.”Greaves has now overcome his cocaine habit and has been working painting The Shard at London Bridge Station.He added: “My family were always well provided for. My whole life has been about providing for my kids.“But my release, getting away and forgetting about my life as a loser, would be to go and get smashed and forget about it.”The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse that I was getting.Johnny Greaves He has also beaten his booze demons.But still suffers from depression, still bears the mental scars of fighting against vulgar, hostile crowds.And he said: “I’ve always been weak mentally, suffered a hell of a lot with depression and suicidal thoughts, very low self-esteem.“And look, when you’re in front of crowds of 900 people all screaming and shouting and slagging you off and laughing at your record, it was emotionally tough.“The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse I was getting.“Why would I want my son coming to watch me get beaten and suffer dogs’ abuse from the crowd?“I’ve had people spit on me when walking into the ring, it’s a nasty game. I was treated no better than a dog at times.”I had 100 professional fights, I won just four. To anyone who doesn’t understand the game, you’re no better than useless.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:“People just don’t understand the game and the business model of how boxing actually works.“So dealing with things mentally and emotionally was tough.”Greaves had just one rule when he fought – his friends and family were banned from attending.He explained: “Look, I’m there to lose. I don’t want my wife and kids seeing that.”However, he made an exception for his final fight in 2013 when he BEAT Dan Carr at York Hall to bow out with a victory in front of 500 of his fans.Greaves beamed: “I fought my heart out and trained like a beast. I would have boxed anyone in my last fight and been confident enough to win it.“I would have boxed King Kong that last time and I’m pretty sure I would have at put up a good fight.”Greaves opens up on his astonishing career in his biography, Bright Lights and Dark Corners, which is on sale now.Detailing his boxing life in black and white helped him KO the demons that plagued his years in the ring.Read More on The SunHe said: “This book has been a therapy session for me, it’s about getting a lot off my chest.”Bright Lights & Dark Corners by Johnny Greaves is available to buy now at greavesbook.comYou can buy Johnny’s book, Bright Lights & Dark Corners, now More

  • in

    Olympics gender row boxer Imane Khelif BANNED from next week’s World Cup as chiefs introduce mandatory sex testing

    IMANE KHELIF will not be allowed to compete at next week’s Eindhoven Boxing Cup.World Boxing are now set to implement mandatory sex testing for all athletes hoping to compete in their events.Imane Khelif won gold at last summer’s Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyKhelif, 26, won gold at last summer’s Paris Olympic Games.The Algerian did so amid a backdrop of criticism from certain pundits.Her first round win over Angela Carini saw the Italian give up after just 46 seconds in the ring.Khelif had failed an unspecified gender test administered by the Russian-led International Boxing Association in 2023.READ MORE IN BOXINGCarini left the ring in tears, and later claimed: “After the second one (punch landed) I couldn’t breathe anymore.”I went to my coach and said ‘enough’ because it takes maturity and courage to stop. I didn’t feel like fighting anymore.”The Eindoven Cup have been promoting Khelif’s participation in their upcoming event, with a poster reading: “Proud that Imane Khelif is there again to defend her title.”World Boxing’s decision will scupper Khelif’s entry into the event.Most read in BoxingKhelif defeated tearful Angela Carini in just 46 seconds last summerCredit: APA letter sent to the Algerian federation by World Boxing confirms: “Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.”In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress.Trump rips into boxer Imane Khelif about controversial Olympics win against Angela Carini “However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change.”Amid last summer’s controversy, US president Donald Trump wrongly claimed that Khelif is transgender.Khelif told ITV earlier this year: “The US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.”She the signalled her intention to defend her Olympic gold medal, adding: “Second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles.”‘NOTHING TO HIDE’Khelif went on to add: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.”The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics — the injustice was exposed and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”Khelif then continued: “For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.“I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships.Read More on The Sun”All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles.”But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.”Khelif won gold at last summer’s Olympic GamesCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua pleads with Team GB OIympian Delicious Orie to make retirement U-turn as he quits after one fight

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has pleaded with Olympian Delicious Orie to reconsider his decision to retire.Orie was eliminated in the first round of the 2024 Olympics but soon turned professional with Frank Warren – after snubbing an offer from the WWE.Anthony Joshua pleaded with Olympian Delicious Orie to reconsider retirementCredit: @deliciousboxingThe heavyweight won his debut against Milos Veletic in April – but laboured over the four rounds. And only a month later and the 27-year-old announced he was retiring from boxing after just one pro bout. But AJ – who used to spar Orie – spoke out to urge the Russian-born Brit not to walk away just yet. He wrote on Instagram: “History repeats itself. Many of us wanted to stop at some stage. READ MORE IN boxing “Some at the start, some in the middle and at some point all of us will have to stop. “I think you should take your time but keep training! You have skills & have talent.” Joshua accompanied the message with an old interview with Michael Spinks – the 1976 Olympic gold medalist – who later won world titles.In the clip, Spinks was telling KO TV: “I heard boxing was not a pretty business for the boxers and also I was a little afraid of that.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I didn’t know how I well I would fare in the industry. So I just wanted to get a good job after winning the gold medal and then let that be. “But things happened that pushed me into the pros and I just talking it one step at a time. I didn’t know I would go as far as I did.” Tense moment Anthony Joshua and Mahmoud Charr face off ahead of proposed two-fight dealAJ told Orie not to retire, posting a clip of Michael SpinksDespite Spinks’ concerns over turning pro, he would win world titles at light-heavyweight and heavyweight.He also famously lost to Mike Tyson in 1988 – his final bout before retiring. And Orie – like Spinks – credited wanting to get a job outside the ring as a reason for not wanting to fight on any further.He posted: “After much reflection, I have decided to hang up my gloves and retire from boxing to follow up on my degree and enter the corporate world.”This sport has given me so much — incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for the journey.”Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded. “As I’ve grown, I’ve come to value clarity and honesty with myself above all.”I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Read More on The Sun”Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top — and without it, there’s no path forward.”Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”Orie has retired from pro boxingCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘Doesn’t make sense’ – Joseph Parker has theory for Daniel Dubois’ last-minute withdrawal as Brit gears up to face Usyk

    JOSEPH PARKER can’t help but feel the timing of his fight with Daniel Dubois falling through was a tad suspicious.The resurgent New Zealander was set to challenge Triple D for the IBF heavyweight title on a stacked Saudi Arabia card in February.Joseph Parker was set to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title in FebruaryCredit: GETTYBut Dubois pulled out of their Saudi showdown just days before they were set to throw heavy leatherCredit: GETTYParker can’t help but think Oleksandr Usyk’s callouts had something to do with Dubois’ withdrawalCredit: GETTYBut his shot at becoming a two-time heavyweight champion was agonisingly ripped away from him just days before the Riyadh rumble as Dubois was struck down by a viral infection.Dubois, 27, insists he pulled out of the desert dust-up on doctor’s orders.Although Parker, who ended up fighting Martin Bakole, can’t help but think Oleksandr Usyk’s calls for an undisputed straightener may have played a small role in the Brit’s withdrawal.Speaking exclusively to SunSport thanks to Casino Hawks, the 33-year-old said of the fight falling through: “I was left in the dark.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”I guess you can’t really [doubt him]. I mean, you just got to take his word for it, you know.”He wasn’t feeling the best and he pulled out of the fight.”It just doesn’t make sense, though, that Usyk was calling him out all week and then he pulled out of the fight. “And then now, they’ve made this big fight.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDubois will challenge pound-for-pound king Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles in a historic unification bout at Wembley on July 19.And although he still has his suspicions about Dubois’ pulling out, Parker won’t continue to beat a dead horse.Fans hail brilliant moment stunned Joseph Parker discovers he’s fighting Bakole He continued: “If a man says he’s sick, he’s sick. I’ve just got to take him for his word.”Parker is seemingly in pole position to face the winner of the July joust as he’s the mandatory challenger for the WBO strap he held for just under a year and a half.But he’s refusing to count his chickens before they hatch, saying: “I know Frank Warren said a few things that I might be next to fight for undisputed unification.”But there were no discussions. And for me, it’s just words at the moment.”It’d be nice to get something in writing and to get something solid. But at the moment, it’s just words.”If it can happen, I’ll be extremely over the moon.”Joseph Parker is in pole position to fight the winner of the July rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel DuboisCredit: RICHARD PELHAM More

  • in

    ‘Bored of being your sidegirl’ – Boxer from ‘battle of the boobs’ retires as she posts emotional farewell

    AVRIL MATHIE has retired from boxing after posting an emotional farewell – in the form of a love letter to the sport. The Aussie star hangs up her gloves with a record of eight wins, one loss and one draw. Avril Mathie has retired from boxingCredit: GettyShe posted an emotional farewell to boxingMathie retires with eight wins, one loss and one drawCredit: Instagram @avrilmathieThe Aussie is a former OnlyFans star and modelCredit: Instagram/avrilmathieShe was lined up to face Ebanie Bridges in 2023 in what was dubbed “the battle of the boobs”. But Mathie – who has since had her breast implants removed – pulled out from the bout through injury. And now she has called time on her career – taking to Instagram to make the announcement. She posted: “To the love of my life. Sadly, after 13 years, I must say goodbye. READ MORE IN BOXING”My heart is broken walking away from you, I still have so much love for you, some may call it addiction in fact. “I had so many dreams for our future, but my body can’t take your abuse anymore.“You gave me the highest of highs. We travelled the world and achieved things most only dream of. “But a year and a half ago, you hurt me so badly. And while I missed you during that time apart healing, I also had the best year of my life. Most read in Boxing”It opened my eyes to what else is waiting for me beyond you. Still, I tried to come back to you again and again this past 6 months, but you just keep hurting me. “Where I had once believed we’d always work it out, slowly I just became tired of the pain, bored of being your sideline girl and am craving to be again in something like that we once had when I felt like I was growing unstoppably.“After long chats with friends, I understood that you can no longer fulfil my needs. “I’ve realised it’s me who’s the fun and inspiring one, it’s not even about you and that will translate into all my future relationships.“And there’s so many other I’ve been flirting with that you don’t even know about yet. So I know I’m going to be just fine. Better in fact. “And I know you’ll miss me, but don’t worry, I’ll find a way to stay connected to you.“Thanks for everything, boxing, I’ll be forever grateful we crossed path.” Bridges, a former bantamweight champion, commented: “You’ll always be the one that got away to me.”She also added: “I love this letter. You are amazing in and out of the ring. Onto the next chapter / new love. which I have no doubt you will succeed in.”Read More on The SunMathie – a former OnlyFans star and swimsuit model – revealed on her YouTube channel that undisclosed injuries were the prime reason for retirement. She also suffered a horror injury after falling off a motorbike in 2023 – with her bone gruesomely sticking out of her leg.Ebanie Bridges was set to fight Mathie in 2023Credit: Instagram @ebanie_bridgesMathie says injuries helped her make her retirement decisionCredit: Instagram @avrilmathieMathie has nearly 300,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram/avrilmathie More

  • in

    Savannah Marshall risks wrath of former sparring partner Tommy Fury with Jake Paul decision

    SAVANNAH MARSHALL laughs when she admits to switching allegiances to Jake Paul’s camp over Tommy Fury.Marshall, a former middleweight world champion, spent years sparring with a young Fury on their way up the ranks. Tommy Fury formerly sparred Savannah MarshallJake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in 2023Credit: ReutersBut now she is one of Paul’s latest signings in the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s ever evolving roster of women stars. So if her new boss was ever to rematch old pal Fury, there is only one man Marshall can cheer on now. She told SunSport with a laugh: “Jake’s paying me now, so I know where my bread’s buttered now!” Paul, 28, suffered his first and so far only defeat in 2023 against Fury, 26, losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he has since bounced back with five wins on the spin, most recently in November against Mike Tyson. Tyson caused controversy by coming out of retirement aged 58 but over 100 MILLION watched the fight on Netflix – including Marshall. She said: “I watched the Mike Tyson one and I think I watched when he boxed Mike Perry. So I’ve seen a few. “I watched that one (Fury vs Paul) as well. I always forget about that. So look, I’ve watched quite a few. I’m a bit of a fan.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul returns on June 28 against ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, dropping back down to cruiserweight. And just two weeks later, he promotes Katie Taylor’s trilogy bout in New York against Amanda Serrano following the Irish legend’s two wins over her great rival. Jake Paul is ‘not a boxer’ and Tommy Fury ‘can’t fight’ says legendary promoter Bob Arum is sensational double blastMarshall, 34, features on the undercard against American Shadasia Green, 35, for the IBF and WBO super-middleweight titles. She said: “I’ve had trouble getting on shows and that sort of thing and this has come about and it’s for the unified world title which is brilliant.”I’m really happy. She’s a formidable opponent. She’s strong, she can whack. “And to be honest, I believe it would be one of the better fights on the show.” Shadasia Green faces Marshall on July 11Credit: Getty More

  • in

    Jake Paul is ‘not a boxer’ and Tommy Fury ‘can’t fight’ says legendary promoter Bob Arum in sensational double blast

    LEGENDARY promoter Bob Arum let out a scathing double blast of Jake Paul and Tommy Fury.Arum was not a fan of Paul’s recent points win against Mike Tyson, who controversially came out of retirement aged 58. Jake Paul and Tommy Fury were blasted by Bob ArumCredit: APOver 100 MILLION tuned in to watch on Netflix, but now Paul returns on June 28 against ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Chavez – son of the legendary Julio Cesar Sr – has suffered problems outside the ring with substance abuse and lack of commitment. And Arum told FightHype: “That’s not even boxing. Chavez Jr, I thought he had hung up the gloves a long time ago. “Jake Paul is not a boxer. It’s spectacle. The Tyson event was sort of demeaning for the sport of boxing. Tyson was an old man. READ MORE IN BOXING”What are we talking about? But again, if Netflix or somebody else wants to pay for that event, that’s fine. I have no interest in it. “I have absolutely no interest in a Jake Paul-Chavez Jr fight, because it’s not boxing.”Paul’s only defeat in his 12 bouts came in 2023 against Fury losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia. ESPN – who have a TV deal with Arum’s Top Rank company – aired the celebrity grudge match on pay-per-view in America. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSo Arum was part of the promotion – but refused to hold back on either Paul, 28, or Fury, 26. He said: “Jake Paul is not fighting a real fighter. He’s smarter than you and me combined.EXCLUSIVE- Savannah Marshall risks wrath of former sparring partner Tommy Fury with Jake Paul decision”It’s not a scam because people know what they’re getting, but he’s not interested in fighting somebody that can really give him a whooping. “I mean, I remember when Jake Paul, before he caught onto this stuff, and I was in England and he was fighting Tyson Fury’s half-brother Tommy Fury, who can’t fight. “Tommy Fury won every round, won a decision and there’s very few heavyweights that you can name that Tommy Fury would last more than one or two rounds.”Tyson Fury with promoter ArumCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua faces off with ex-champ who survived assassination attempt as Eddie Hearn opens up on new two-fight deal

    ANTHONY JOSHUA faced off with forgotten heavyweight Mahmoud Charr – as Eddie Hearn confirmed plans for a two-fight deal.AJ has been out of action since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September while an elbow injury – which needed surgery – has sidelined him. Forgotten heavyweight Mahmoud Charr facing off with Anthony JoshuaIt comes with AJ in talks for a new two-fight dealBut promoter Hearn revealed talks with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season for a pair of bouts are underway. He told BoxingScene: “We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season. “We’ve been doing that, [Turki Alalshikh] said that on the night of Canelo-Scull, when we had our meeting, and that’s the plan really. “We want to box sometime this year, October, November, December.”READ MORE IN BOXINGDubois, 27, now rematches Oleksandr Usyk, 38, on July 19 at Wembley two years after his stoppage loss to the Ukrainian. Usyk is coming off two wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year which led to the Gypsy King’s surprise retirement in January. Hearn still hopes Fury will return to face Joshua, 35, while London’s undisputed title clash will also factor into their next move. He said: “We’ll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk. We’ll see what happens with Fury. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If we don’t fight those guys, maybe we’ll fight one of those guys next year.” Another name hoping to put himself in the mix to fight Joshua is Lebanon-born German Charr – who changed his name from Manuel to Mahmoud. How Tyson Fury’s second season of Netflix reality show can be key to finally securing Anthony Joshua fightCharr long held the WBA’s secondary heavyweight title but lost it to Kubrat Pulev in December – not returning since. He now resides in Dubai where AJ was recently on holiday before also travelling to Oman on a visit. Charr went face-to-face in a tense stare down with Joshua and said: “There’s only one giant in Syria.” The 40-year-old has a 34–5 record, notably losing to Vitali Klitschko in 2012. But his career – and life – was almost ended in 2015 when he was targeted in a drive-by shooting in a kebab shop in Essen.He miraculously survived and lived to see his shooter, Youssef Hassan, sentenced to five years in prison after also undergoing two hip operations. Charr was astonishingly back in the ring just nine months later – to cap off a truly incredible comeback. He was 32 bouts into his career when his life was almost taken from him, following a cowardly assault from a Facebook troll.The attacker had been provoking the fighter online, posing videos of his losses on social media.But when Charr offered to face the man behind the screen in person, he was subject to an assassination attempt.Charr had two tune-ups fights afterwards but later needed a double replacement, undergoing surgery in 2017 at the age of just 32.Read More on The SunHe told SunSport in 2022: “I am not afraid of anyone. Fear is a feeling and feelings can be controlled. Fear exists only in your mind.”Charr was shot four times in 2015Credit: InstagramHe returned to boxing after surviving the shootingCredit: InstagramYoussef Hassan was given five years in prison for shooting CharrCredit: Alamy More