THE HANGOVER

HALL’S problems haven’t been confined to the streets. He might have left the sport behind but he deals with the consequences and repercussions of his career on a daily basis.

“I suffer mental health wise. I’m on a s**t-load of medication. When you’re getting punched in the head it has to have an effect. They are saying footballers are suffering now too but if you compare a boxer to a footballer I think it’s a bit patronising. Boxers are getting punched in the head all the time but they’re going on about these players heading the ball. I think a lot of it has to do with getting hits to the head and how it effects your mental health.”

Hall was born to fight. Even when injuries robbed him of his spark, he found something inside to push himself on and win at a good level. Suddenly, it was over. The adrenaline of fight night, the routine, the friendship and camaraderie. It is impossible to replace.

“They were the best times of my life. It’s a bit like PTSD. You’re always thinking about what you used to do. Now, you’re in normality and you think of the way you live your life compared to then. It’s why a lot of boxers struggle. It’s all they know and suddenly you’re thinking, ‘S**t. What do I do now?’

“I’ve heard it all before. ‘You need to get something after boxing in case it doesn’t work out.’ When you’re doing it though, boxing is everything and you don’t see any other aspect to life. That’s all you’re doing and all you wanna do.

“Then I see my kids and realise its not about me anymore. My time’s gone. I have to put my effort into them.”