You could say Declan Fusco has a master’s degree from the university of life, having learned many lessons the hard way. Once a promising young boxer with his whole career ahead of him, his progress was almost permanently halted by ill-discipline, which led to a constant cycle of addiction and trouble.

But how did such a talented boxer’s career end up being derailed so drastically?

“I never knew I was an addict. It started as a once-in-a-while kind of thing, then it became a once-a-week thing, and then it was once a day. It just grew and grew. I would go a couple of weeks without [using] during the British championships, but that was it really.”

Despite these ongoing issues, Declan was still being invited to train with the national setup with some of the best boxers and coaches the country has to offer.

“It was class! Rob McCracken is one of the top coaches in the sport. We were training like four times a day when we would be in a camp. The issue was that, with having ADHD, my time keeping isn’t the best. When they say the session starts at 9 a.m., they mean get there at half 8 and get warm, ready to start bang on 9. I would typically come in at five to nine, then need to put my boots on and wrap my hands. The coaches got tired of that after a while.”

This poor time keeping was one of the major factors leading to Declan’s removal from the GB squad. Following such a blow to his confidence, he spiralled back into bad habits and even worse situations.

Due to issues with drug and alcohol addiction, Declan also had many run-ins with the police, unable to keep himself out of trouble.

“I was hanging around with some idiots, in all honesty. I would be out, and things would just escalate. People knew I was a boxer, and I would get pushed and pushed! Obviously, I was also not capable of making good decisions either. It led to some very bad situations.”

Fortunately, Declan spoke to a friend who showed him there was a life beyond addiction and pointed him in the direction of a drug and alcohol rehab recovery centre called The Fellowship. They put him in contact with a sponsor who is now there to help guide him through the many steps on the road to recovery.

“They say stick with the winners, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m currently coming up 10 months clean, which seemed impossible. I don’t think I’ve done that since I was a kid. I feel great now. Every day I just have to stick with it and keep at it.”

Now, while on the path to turn his life around, Declan is trying to restart his career and prove right all those who have believed in him throughout the years.

“I just like to spend time with family now and train, but that’s it really. I’m training here at Jobes’ gym and it’s a great environment for me. There’s some really good lads here, and it’s exactly what I need. I really love coming in and training, having a bit of a laugh, and pushing myself.”

He went on to say:

“I’m just waiting for the British Boxing Board to approve me for my licence. I had some issues getting one due to the DBS check because of a charge I got years ago. Once that’s all sorted, I’m raring to go and make up for lost time.”

Declan also said: 

“I was always told I could go as far as I want to. I had a great career as an amateur, but that means nothing in the pros. It’s up to me now to show how good I really can be.”

Declan proves that despite the hardships you may face throughout the years you, can still overcome them with drive, determination, and, most importantly, a will to be better. With plenty of time left on the clock and a hunger to succeed, there is every chance we could see one of the North East’s most gifted boxers challenging for honours and headlining shows one day very soon.

For more information on addiction support please visit: Addiction support – NHS (www.nhs.uk)