Preston police appealing for help to find troubled boxer Scott Fitzgerald
Preston police today issued a warning not to approach former British champion Scott Fitzgerald after he was connected to a violent incident.
The official Preston police X account released this appeal around midday on July 19: “Have you seen Scott Fitzgerald? Fitzgerald, 32, is wanted for wounding with intent. He is 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build, and has short dark brown wavy hair. Fitzgerald has connections to Preston.”
They added a warning: “If you see Fitzgerald, please do not approach him, call 999. For non-immediate sightings of Fitzgerald, or if you have any information that could help us, please call 101 or email 363@lancashire.police.uk.”
The controversial combatant was audacious enough to reply back to the authorities jokingly correcting them on his height: “Lying again! I’ll meet you right now with a tape measure and prove I’m 5ft 11in.”
It was just two months ago when VIP Boxing announced the ‘Mad Man’ Scott Fitzgerald’s comeback.
‘Fitzy’ is unbeaten in 15 bouts, but has only fought once in the past four-and-a-half years. The former British super-welterweight impressive scalps include the likes of Anthony Fowler and Ted Cheeseman.
The Preston puncher has persistently been plagued with troubles outside of the ropes, with much publicised arrests for assault, drug abuse, street fights, to name just a few. He was cleared not guilty of rape earlier this year after a trial at Preston Crown Court.
It was back in March 2020 when Dave Fitzgerald, the father of Scott, opened up about the battles his son was facing outside the ring.
It was around this time that Scott 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.
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 continued to slip back into his old ways.
From Preston in Lancashire, he won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and turned professional under the management of VIP’s Steve Wood, signing a co-promotional pact with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
‘Fitzy’ won won the coveted Lonsdale belt from Londoner Ted Cheeseman in 2019 and was being moved towards a world title shot following an impressive win over British rival Anthony Fowler to claim the WBA International title.