There is Always a Way Back – Matthew Fitzsimons Opens up
Don’t call it a comeback – because it’s much more than that.
Matthew Fitzsimons has revealed how he was heading down a bad path before former world champion Brian Magee helped him turn his life around and brought him back to boxing.
There was a time the Belfast man, who ended six years away from the sport with a victory at the Waterfront Hall this summer, could not see himself ever stepping back inside a boxing ring.
Having endured a difficult period away from the sport, the thought of returning to the life he had known for so long seemed a distant prospect. But in the summer, Fitzsimons made his comeback, marking a moment that was as emotional as it was significant for the boxer and his family.
Now, with another fight awaiting him this weekend, ‘Thunder’ has opened up about the difficult road that brought him back, revealing how boxing helped him turn things around after admitting he had been heading in the wrong direction.
“Two years ago, I never thought I’d be back in the ring,” he said.
“So it was very emotional to fight again. It was a long road back. Before I went to Brian Magee and got him to train me, I was heading down a bad path, and I’m happy that I’ve fought back and turned things around.”
For Fitzsimons, the comeback has been about much more than returning to competition. It’s been about rediscovering direction, finding something positive to work toward, and proving that a difficult chapter doesn’t have to define the rest of your life.
“I hope this helps someone else out there who has gone down the wrong path thinking that there’s no way back, but there always is a way; you just have to believe in yourself,” he added.
As well as winning in life, the rangy puncher was keen to win in the ring.
However, after spending so long away, there were understandable questions about how he would look once the gloves were back on. So he the returning boxer was encouraged by his sharp and composed display last time out.
“It was great, it felt like I never went away,” he said.
“I didn’t get a single blow landed on me in four rounds. I know it’s a journeyman, but I was just working on myself. My punches were spot on, movement, reflexes, my ability to read shots coming was better than ever.
“I probably needed those few years away to mature,” he said.
Being a father may aid with that maturity.
Fitzsimons is no longer fighting solely for himself. With three young children, his ambitions inside the ring are now tied to the future he wants to provide for his family.
“I’m back for good. I want to be as active as possible! I’ve three young kids, I’m doing it for them now,” he adds.
“I’ll wear my heart on my sleeve every fight, and do everything I possibly can to keep winning and build a better future for my family.”
Next on the agenda is Irish road warrior Jacob Marrer, a boxer the home fighter will be expected to defeat at the Ulster Hall, but one capable of giving him rounds.
“I’m expecting a tough night’s work against a solid fighter, southpaw that gets stuck in,” he adds. “Although I’m just focusing on myself in there.
“I’ve been boxing nearly 20 years; I love this game. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself; I’m just going to enjoy the moments.”
The plan is to progress past journeymen and secure meaningful fights. Indeed, he did accept a fight with British prospect Mohammad Bilal Ali before it fell through.
“I’m looking forward to the journey of fighting at different shows, bigger arenas, stuff you can tell the grandkids about, and who knows what can happen with a lot of hard work and dedication.”
