Season 2: #46 Anthony Ogogo

Anthony Ogogo won a bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012 and he should have been on top of the world having fought and beaten the pre-tournament favourite. However, his mother lay gravely ill in hospital and he would make clandestine visits to her bedside hoping she would come out of her coma. Yes, he was inspired, but what should have been the best days of his life were also the worst. His stellar amateur career, which included a Commonwealth Games medal, too, turned into a frustrating stop-start pro career. He signed with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions but fell between the cracks after Oscar's split with partner Richard Schaefer and he would work with Sauerland while fighting on Matchroom shows. He fought on a Mayweather bill in Vegas, a big show in Atlantic City but first there was an injury to his Achilles, then a shoulder dislocation and long periods of inactivity. It culminated in his final fight when he suffered a catastrophic eye injury that resulted in a battle not only just to box again but to be able to see. He documented the journey to save his career – and his vision – on social media, covering the glimmers of hope and the heartbreak of finally admitting his boxing dream was over. A surprise door opened, however, and he signed a deal with AEW, the sports entertainment company, and he's training to become a professional wrestler, with guidance from the likes of Diamond Dallas Page, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts and Cody Rhodes. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND Delco Safety Compliance, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Community: twitter @trisdixon instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices