CRISIS POINT
Dave Harris calls for the boxing community to unite and support his plan for a retirement facility
MORE so than ever before, the plight of ex-boxers is close to reaching crisis point.
The lucky few who made enough money to sustain themselves for the rest of their lives are in the minority, as are those with the backing of a family unit around them, it seems. Too many are alone in an increasingly alien world, with the punches they took many years ago coming back to haunt them in the form of severe mental illness.
Dave Harris has been exposed to the severity of the issue over the last three years, while setting up the British Ex-boxers Hall of Fame, and wants to do something about it.
“I have become acutely aware of so many ex-boxers who are finding everyday life very difficult,” Harris explained to Boxing News. “Many are in residential homes and social housing, suffering from loneliness, a variety of mental illnesses or dementia. Some just simply are not coping, often using alcohol as a prop, leading to drink-related illnesses.
“I’ve spent many hours in the company of former boxers. Some of them former champions, some journeymen and in some cases legends of our sport. It is interesting to note, that even those with severe dementia, seemingly unreachable, will become animated and their eyes light up when they talk about their boxing careers. For the lonely and isolated, talking to a kindred spirit from our boxing family is the very lifeline they need.”
Harris believes the industry has to step up and ensure that fighters in need are looked after. Harris proposes a retirement facility to be acquired for boxers, similar to that being run by Variety Club for entertainers, where daily care can be administered, and company can be sought.
“I have recently become aware of a facility, owned and run by the Variety Club of Great Britain, called Brinsworth House. This is a residential establishment that enables members of the entertainment and acting professions to reside on a permanent basis, have access to short term respite care or to use day services in order to address the issues that face retired entertainers.
“I suggest it is now time for the boxing world to provide a similar facility of our own for the benefit of retired members of the boxing fraternity. This is an achievable aim.”
On the surface it seems like a no-brainer, but similar proposals have failed to get off the ground in the past. Boxing News understands the main stumbling block has been the failure of active fighters to recognise the problems that could lie ahead, and rejecting what in effect is a pension fund to safeguard their own futures while providing assistance to those in need.
The British Boxing Board of Control General Secretary Robert Smith has agreed to meet with both Harris and BN editor Matt Christie to explore what can be done moving forward. Without question, the need for the boxing community to unite and face this issue, has to be made a priority.
Anyone wishing to help should contact Dave on 07947-084018 or Matt on 0207618-3069.