I would always consider myself to be a sports fan rather than just a football fan. I have a big love for West Ham, obviously, but I’m also a keen follower of England at rugby union, barely miss a Formula One race where possible, have attended several cricket matches including the Ashes, and I’m a huge boxing fan.
So one might expect I’d be excited to hear that a player I admire greatly, James ‘Ginger Pele’ Collins, is ditching the football boots and picking up the boxing gloves. The 43-year-old former Hammer makes his boxing debut against Big Stacks at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday night.
Unfortunately, when I first heard about it, I was somewhat saddened. Collins has now asked West Ham supporters to back him, saying: “I’d love to do it in front of a big crowd of West Ham fans!” But from my perspective, I just hope he comes out of the encounter with his health intact and out of harm’s way.
Why Ginge’s fight worries me
Firstly, Misfits Boxing is, well, not really boxing at all.
It clearly has its entertainment value, but in terms of Queensberry rules, the sweet science and pugilistic arts, it’s not even non-league football compared to the Premier League.
The difference between having a kick-around in middle age and stepping into the boxing ring is that people get seriously hurt in boxing, and it’s this that worries me about Ginge.
Football is already under the microscope over the way it deals with concussions. There has also been considerable debate and research surrounding former players suffering from neurodegenerative disease and the possible effects of repeated heading during their careers.
Whatever the circumstances, the boxing ring is a dangerous place to be, and I think it’s just sad that Collins has put himself in harm’s way in what must surely be for money — the kind of money that’s impossible to turn down.
The result is secondary
Of course, Collins is a big boy and will be fully aware of what he’s stepping into.
This is also a bloke who made 214 wholehearted appearances for West Ham, throwing himself into tackles and blocks with little regard for his own safety. Nobody needs to tell the Ginger Pele how to look after himself.
Collins says boxing training has given him renewed purpose since retiring from football, and that’s clearly a positive. He feels fitter, is eating better and has encouraged other former players to get themselves into a boxing gym.
I understand his plea for West Ham fans to get out there and support him.
Of course, as a Hammer, I hope he wins.
But I have to say the result of that contest is very much secondary in my mind.
I just want Ginge to come out of the ring healthy.
I think it’s a sad story Kris, his family and people close by him should surely help to change his direction, much too late to get in a boxing ring