Boxer Jordan Gill emotionally fights back tears after revealing mental health battle before victory over Michael Conlan
BOXER Jordan Gill emotionally opened up about his mental health battle before beating Michael Conlan.
Gill moved up to super-featherweight and stopped Northern Ireland’s Conlan in round seven of their Belfast bout.
Jordan Gill opened up about his mental health battle before beating Michael Conlan
It was his first fight since losing the European featherweight title to Kiko Martinez in October 2022.
That defeat sparked a battle with depression while Gill’s personal life also suffered.
And the brave boxer revealed he contemplated suicide before being saved.
Gill, 29, said: “Not many people know what I’ve been through this year. You know, after the Kiko loss, I sort of, lost touch with myself.
“I broke up with my wife. In the 30th of June, I was in a field, I drank a litre of vodka and I was gonna kill myself, and somebody saved me.
“Somebody came and saved me that day, and you know, I went to Dave, I went to Ben Davison’s gym, I worked with Barry.
“Barry’s put so much effort in with me. My dad’s been by my side. My friends and my family have been there supporting me.
“All my friends, I can’t thank them enough. I’ve just changed my life. I’ve got my own gym opening next week with my friend Damian.
How to get help
NHS talking therapies can help if you’re struggling to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression.
Your GP can refer you or, in England, you can refer yourself online via nhs.uk/talk.
If you need help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, NHS urgent mental health helplines offer 24-hour advice and support for people of all ages.
Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline via nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth (England only).
The charity Mind also provides support to those that need it. Call 0300 123 3393.
If someone’s life is at risk or they cannot be kept safe, call 999.
“I’ve turned my life around this year in the last four months and it’s just because of that (mindset).
“So if you’re thinking, ‘What am I doing with my life?’ You can do it, you can make a change.
“Just get up and have that belief in yourself and just go and do it because nobody believed that I can do this. But I did and that’s all that matters.”
GettyMichael Conlan was knocked down by Jordan Gill[/caption]
Gill celebrating his victorySportsfile
