Former British champion Scott Fitzgerald is battling drug addiction
Images of the former British super-welterweight champion Scott Fitzgerald (15-0, 10KOs) high on drugs, hanging around on the streets, even passing out in public have surfaced on social media this week.
It was back in March 2020 that Dave Fitzgerald, the father of Scott, who was then the reigning British super-welterweight champion, opened up about the battles the 28-year-old was facing outside the ring.
It was around this time that he was arrested on suspicion of assault in the Ryelands Crescent area in Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston and was subsequently suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control.
'Fitzy' won won the Lonsdale belt from Londoner Ted Cheeseman and was being moved towards a world title shot following an impressive win over British rival Anthony Fowler to claim the WBA International title.
From Preston in Lancashire, he won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and turned professional under the management of Steve Wood, signing a promotional pact with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
It was Wood who came shared the welcomed news that 'Fitzy' was back in training preparing for a comeback, but the hopes were short lived.
He has since fallen back into drug addiction and hanging around with bad crowds around his local area. He had spent 12 days in Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance Clinic in a bid to knock out his problems with gambling, drugs and alcohol, but has slipped back into his old ways.
His father admitted that his son had told him he’d been taking drugs since he was 12 years old, he revealed, “Scott has an addictive personality, but I don’t think his mates want to see him succeed.
“A real mate would say, ‘Scott you have a chance of a lifetime here’. I’m so disappointed that he has got into this and I don’t want him to have to take drugs to be able to function. I want him to be a decent human being.”
After the images were seen on social media on November 4, there was an immediate rush of sympathy and support for the fallen fighter, with ring rival Anthony Fowler being one of the first to offer his help. Many others rushed to his side too.
Birmingham's Gamal Yafai rightfully pointed out in a tweet: "Where is Scott Fitzgerald mates that was celebratng the wins with him? Go hep your friend on his downfall."
Ellie Scotney also added: "Really hope someone saves Scott Fitzgerald, the highs of boxing compared to the lows of life. Real sad to see."
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn also shared his concerns and promised his full support: "Scott went into rehab over a year ago. We hoped he was moving in the right direction. What we saw today shocked the life out of me. We're gonna make sure we convince him to get helpnow. We'll be doing everything we can do to help."
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