FIGHTING BACK
Scott aims high after beating his demons
SCOTT FITZGERALD is sure he can be a world champion within two years after knocking out his addictions.
The British light-middleweight champion checked himself in to Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic in a bid to solve gambling and alcohol dependency issues two weeks ago.
Fitzgerald, 28, admits he has been out of control over the last five years.
He suffered depression amid his problems, which led to his manager Steve Wood stepping in to try to rescue his man from blowing his chance of becoming a star.
And now the unbeaten Preston fighter is confident he can reignite his career.
“I’m a compulsive gambler and I’m an alcoholic,” Fitzgerald said. “I could tell you 500 stories that got me into this position.
“It’s been something that has been out of my control for a good few years. I’ve blown money and wasted time but finally decided to do something about it.
“My manager found about Sporting Chance.
“I went down for an assessment and then three weeks later I went in for 12 days, which I finished on Friday.
“I went to AA meetings and I would be sharing with other people in similar positions.
“It really worked to get stuff off my chest and realise others have problems too.
“They gave me a 12-step programme. I believe I’ve sorted myself out. I’m proper buzzing.
“I can be a world champion in two years.”
Fitzgerald accepts it won’t be out that easy but insists focused on boxing now.
His first port of call after checking out of the clinic last Friday was promoter Eddie Hearn’s offices to map out his future.
Fitzgerald achieved his dream of becoming British champion by beating Ted Cheeseman last October.
He is looking at a rematch with Rio Olympian Anthony Fowler, who he upset in 2019.
“I will never gamble again and I want to get into a position where I can have a sensible drink like a bottle of wine with my girlfriend but I might never drink ever again,” he added.
“I’m staying focused boxing.” he is on
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