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Stephen Webb opens up about gambling addiction

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Belfast lightweight Stephen Webb has bravely opened up about his gambling problems.

Over the past 12 months or so a host of boxers around the world have started to talk about personal issues that have had a real negative impact on their lives – and Irish fighters are certainly not immune to hard times.

Conrad Cummings has been honest about the struggles he came through in recent weeks, revealing he struggled post his defeat to Luke Keeler and a break up with his then fiancee. Sean McGlinchey was on BBC this week discussing some dark days he had, while Joe Fitzpatrick has revealed boxing has kept him on the straight and narrow after he sadly lost his father and a close friend and that is to name just a few and the more recent cases.

Now Webb has opened up with regard to issues he has had for over five years. The John Breen-trained fighter, who has fought twice as a pro, but had to pull out of his most recent clash against Martin Quinn on the Celtic Clash 9 card due to a nose issue, has revealed he has struggled with gambling.

Webb took the brave of opening up and shared on social media, although he has suggested a more in dept interview is to come.

The Belfast fighter revealed the disease has ‘ruined’ certain parts of his life, but claimed he is now fighting back in a bid to kick the habit.

“So for the last few years I’ve had a major gambling problem and anyone that really knew me would be able to tell you the shit positions I’ve put myself in because of it,” he stated on social media.

“From losing people who meant a lot to me, losing really good friends, people wiping their hands from me and it even followed me into my professional boxing career having friends, coaches and managers falling out with me over it all!”

“I’ve made a lot of big mistakes in my life and over the last few weeks I’ve been trying my best to put things straight and anyone that’s had problems with gambling will tell you it’s hard to admit you’ve a problem but I finally admitted that I have!”

“It’s a horrible disease that’s ruined a lot of things in my life! But I’m now fighting against it and will be doing an interview this week talking about the problems I had and sharing my story with use all… few weeks away from it all now and hope to God I can make it a lot longer!”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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