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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘I was there to lose' – Confessions of journeyman boxer who LOST 96 fights but has WON battles with cocaine and booze
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOURNEYMAN boxer Johnny Greaves battled drugs, booze, depression and abuse throughout his 100-fight pro career. The 46-year-old East Londoner admits he was 'no better than useless' as he lost 96 TIMES. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Johnny Greaves is one of Britain's most celebrated journeyman boxers Credit: Rex 5 Greaves had 100 fights, winning his final Credit: Getty He would take some fights at the last minute, entering the ring on a stomach of lager, while also battling a debilitating cocaine habit and praying he would LOSE to guarantee further pay-days. Fans would SPIT on him as he walked into the ring and Greaves admitted that, at times, he was treated 'no better than a dog.' But, no matter how big a beating he took, he never missed a day working as a self-employed painter-decorator to put food on the table for his missus Vicky, daughter Ruby and son Teddy. When Greaves turned pro in 2007, aged 30, he'd already fought 50 unlicensed and 30 amateur bouts. READ MORE IN BOXING GLOVE AND HATE Fisher opens up on backstabbers who turned on him after Allen win But after being told he would earn just £800 a fight as a new pro, building up his name and needing to sell tickets, he swapped to the away corner. Knowing he could make almost £2,000 a pop as an opponent for up-and-coming stars, he forfeited his desire to be a champ. Greaves has relived his astonishing career for a new book called Bright Lights and Dark Corners And in an exclusive SunSport interview, Greaves revealed: 'At the time I was skint. I didn't have a lot of work on. 'Vicky and I had just moved into a place, Teddy had just been born with severe clubfoot, so he was in and out of hospitals every other day. 'I was struggling badly.' However, his decision kick-started one of the most celebrated journeyman boxing careers in Britain, with Greaves fighting up to 20 TIMES a year. Britain's next Tyson Fury set for world title & Taylor urged to fight on | Split Decision Recalling his 2008 points loss to Ryan Walsh, Greaves revealed: 'I'd just opened my third can of Fosters when my phone rang at 4.30pm on the Saturday. 'I took the fight, agreed the money and was in the ring boxing at the Excel Arena at about ten past six.' On another occasion in 2012, Greaves, who also has a coaching licence, was set to act as a cornerman for Jody Meikle at York Hall - only to fight opponent Eren Arif himself. Greaves added: 'I remember the promoter running out asking, 'What do you weigh?' I replied, '10st 6?' 'He continued, 'Do you want a fight?' I said, 'F***, what are you paying?' 'So we discussed the money, then I phoned the missus to meet me at the station with a bag, my shorts, boots and a gum shield. 'She passed the bag over the counter, I rushed back to York Hall and I was fighting about half an hour after that.' Greaves is very honest about the fight game, insisting money came first for him and winning could have affected his chances of earning. It's not what a lot of people think, how the boxing game works. But let's have it right - it's a business, it's not sport. Johnny Greaves He said: 'I don't wanna make it look like it's bent, but, look, I boxed nine world champions, I boxed over 20 British champions. 'I boxed the best fighters in the world - Anthony Crolla, Jamie Cox, Johan Perez. 'Or, you're boxing against young lads that look, let's have it right, if you win these fights, you're gonna lose work for yourself, you then become a risk, so you play the game. 'You don't let your hands go against these kids, you play through, get through nice and safe, get paid, lose on points, hopefully. "And then you fight again the week after.' But while he was boxing, Greaves harboured a secret not even his family knew. He was battling a cocaine addiction so fierce he would even take it on fight nights. He confessed: 'I'm disgusted about the way I went through things with the drugs through my career. 'Things were pretty crazy' 'Recreational drugs, nothing performance enhancing. If anything it's performance debilitating, to be honest. 'Getting through packets of cocaine, just just to control my nerves, control my moods. I had a habit and I'm really disgusted about it.' 5 Johnny Greaves in action against Dan Stewart in 2009 Credit: PA:Press Association 5 Johnny Greaves with a swollen eye against Bradley Skeete in 2011 Credit: Getty In 2009, Greaves fought Oisin Fagan in Dublin on the back of a massive booze bender. Greaves recalled: 'I was on my own in a hotel room and up all hours of the night doing what I was doing. 'I got in and boxed the top Irish lad the next day. Things were pretty crazy then.' Greaves has now overcome his cocaine habit and has been working painting The Shard at London Bridge Station. He added: 'My family were always well provided for. My whole life has been about providing for my kids. 'But my release, getting away and forgetting about my life as a loser, would be to go and get smashed and forget about it.' The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse that I was getting. Johnny Greaves He has also beaten his booze demons. But still suffers from depression, still bears the mental scars of fighting against vulgar, hostile crowds. And he said: 'I've always been weak mentally, suffered a hell of a lot with depression and suicidal thoughts, very low self-esteem. 'And look, when you're in front of crowds of 900 people all screaming and shouting and slagging you off and laughing at your record, it was emotionally tough. 'The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse I was getting. 'Why would I want my son coming to watch me get beaten and suffer dogs' abuse from the crowd? 'I've had people spit on me when walking into the ring, it's a nasty game. I was treated no better than a dog at times. "I had 100 professional fights, I won just four. To anyone who doesn't understand the game, you're no better than useless. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 'People just don't understand the game and the business model of how boxing actually works. 'So dealing with things mentally and emotionally was tough.' Greaves had just one rule when he fought - his friends and family were banned from attending. He explained: 'Look, I'm there to lose. I don't want my wife and kids seeing that.' However, he made an exception for his final fight in 2013 when he BEAT Dan Carr at York Hall to bow out with a victory in front of 500 of his fans. Greaves beamed: 'I fought my heart out and trained like a beast. I would have boxed anyone in my last fight and been confident enough to win it. 'I would have boxed King Kong that last time and I'm pretty sure I would have at put up a good fight.' Greaves opens up on his astonishing career in his biography, Bright Lights and Dark Corners, which is on sale now. Detailing his boxing life in black and white helped him KO the demons that plagued his years in the ring. He said: 'This book has been a therapy session for me, it's about getting a lot off my chest.' Bright Lights & Dark Corners by Johnny Greaves is available to buy now at
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I was there to lose' – Confessions of journeyman boxer who LOST 96 fights but has WON battles with cocaine and booze
JOURNEYMAN boxer Johnny Greaves battled drugs, booze, depression and abuse throughout his 100-fight pro career. The 46-year-old East Londoner admits he was 'no better than useless' as he lost 96 TIMES . Advertisement 5 Johnny Greaves is one of Britain's most celebrated journeyman boxers Credit: Rex 5 Greaves had 100 fights, winning his final Credit: Getty He would take some fights at the last minute, entering the ring on a stomach of lager, while also battling a debilitating cocaine habit and praying he would LOSE to guarantee further pay-days. Fans would SPIT on him as he walked into the ring and Greaves admitted that, at times, he was treated 'no better than a dog.' But, no matter how big a beating he took, he never missed a day working as a self-employed painter-decorator to put food on the table for his missus Vicky, daughter Ruby and son Teddy. When Greaves turned pro in 2007, aged 30, he'd already fought 50 unlicensed and 30 amateur bouts. Advertisement READ MORE IN BOXING But after being told he would earn just £800 a fight as a new pro, building up his name and needing to sell tickets, he swapped to the away corner. Knowing he could make almost £2,000 a pop as an opponent for up-and-coming stars, he forfeited his desire to be a champ. Greaves has relived his astonishing career for a new book called Bright Lights and Dark Corners And in an exclusive SunSport interview, Greaves revealed: 'At the time I was skint. I didn't have a lot of work on. Advertisement Most read in Sport Breaking 'Vicky and I had just moved into a place, Teddy had just been born with severe clubfoot, so he was in and out of hospitals every other day. 'I was struggling badly.' However, his decision kick-started one of the most celebrated journeyman boxing careers in Britain, with Greaves fighting up to 20 TIMES a year. Britain's next Tyson Fury set for world title & Taylor urged to fight on | Split Decision Recalling his 2008 points loss to Ryan Walsh, Greaves revealed: 'I'd just opened my third can of Fosters when my phone rang at 4.30pm on the Saturday. Advertisement 'I took the fight, agreed the money and was in the ring boxing at the Excel Arena at about ten past six.' On another occasion in 2012, Greaves, who also has a coaching licence, was set to act as a cornerman for Jody Meikle at York Hall - only to fight opponent Eren Arif himself. Greaves added: 'I remember the promoter running out asking, 'What do you weigh?' I replied, '10st 6?' 'He continued, 'Do you want a fight?' I said, 'F***, what are you paying?' Advertisement 'So we discussed the money, then I phoned the missus to meet me at the station with a bag, my shorts, boots and a gum shield. 'She passed the bag over the counter, I rushed back to York Hall and I was fighting about half an hour after that.' Greaves is very honest about the fight game, insisting money came first for him and winning could have affected his chances of earning. It's not what a lot of people think, how the boxing game works. But let's have it right - it's a business, it's not sport. Johnny Greaves He said: 'I don't wanna make it look like it's bent, but, look, I boxed nine world champions, I boxed over 20 British champions. Advertisement 'I boxed the best fighters in the world - 'Or, you're boxing against young lads that look, let's have it right, if you win these fights, you're gonna lose work for yourself, you then become a risk, so you play the game. 'You don't let your hands go against these kids, you play through, get through nice and safe, get paid, lose on points, hopefully. "And then you fight again the week after.' Advertisement But while he was boxing, Greaves harboured a secret not even his family knew. He was battling a cocaine addiction so fierce he would even take it on fight nights. He confessed: 'I'm disgusted about the way I went through things with the drugs through my career. 'Things were pretty crazy' 'Recreational drugs, nothing performance enhancing. If anything it's performance debilitating, to be honest. Advertisement 'Getting through packets of cocaine, just just to control my nerves, control my moods. I had a habit and I'm really disgusted about it.' 5 Johnny Greaves in action against Dan Stewart in 2009 Credit: PA:Press Association 5 Johnny Greaves with a swollen eye against Bradley Skeete in 2011 Credit: Getty In 2009, Greaves fought Oisin Fagan in Dublin on the back of a massive booze bender. Advertisement Greaves recalled: 'I was on my own in a hotel room and up all hours of the night doing what I was doing. 'I got in and boxed the top Irish lad the next day. Things were pretty crazy then.' Greaves has now overcome his cocaine habit and has been working painting The Shard at London Bridge Station. He added: 'My family were always well provided for. My whole life has been about providing for my kids. Advertisement 'But my release, getting away and forgetting about my life as a loser, would be to go and get smashed and forget about it.' The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse that I was getting. Johnny Greaves He has also beaten his booze demons. But still suffers from depression, still bears the mental scars of fighting against vulgar, hostile crowds. And he said: 'I've always been weak mentally, suffered a hell of a lot with depression and suicidal thoughts, very low self-esteem. Advertisement 'And look, when you're in front of crowds of 900 people all screaming and shouting and slagging you off and laughing at your record, it was emotionally tough. 'The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse I was getting. 'Why would I want my son coming to watch me get beaten and suffer dogs' abuse from the crowd? 'I've had people spit on me when walking into the ring, it's a nasty game. I was treated no better than a dog at times. Advertisement "I had 100 professional fights, I won just four. To anyone who doesn't understand the game, you're no better than useless. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans, 'People just don't understand the game and the business model of how boxing actually works. 'So dealing with things mentally and emotionally was tough.' Greaves had just one rule when he fought - his friends and family were banned from attending. Advertisement He explained: 'Look, I'm there to lose. I don't want my wife and kids seeing that.' However, he made an exception for his final fight in 2013 when he BEAT Dan Carr at York Hall to bow out with a victory in front of 500 of his fans. Greaves beamed: 'I fought my heart out and trained like a beast. I would have boxed anyone in my last fight and been confident enough to win it. 'I would have boxed King Kong that last time and I'm pretty sure I would have at put up a good fight.' Advertisement Greaves opens up on his astonishing career in his biography, Bright Lights and Dark Corners, which is on sale now. Detailing his boxing life in black and white helped him KO the demons that plagued his years in the ring. He said: 'This book has been a therapy session for me, it's about getting a lot off my chest.' Bright Lights & Dark Corners by Johnny Greaves is available to buy now at 5 You can buy Johnny's book, Bright Lights & Dark Corners, now Advertisement
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Fosters' Alum Cierra Ramirez Reveals Wedding Date to Musician OTHRSYDE Alongside Sweet Matrimony-Themed Photos
Cierra Ramirez seemingly revealed the day she would be marring her musician beau OTHRSYDE: Sept. 13, 2025 The actress teased their upcoming nuptials alongside a photoshoot of them in wedding attire on the Sunset Strip The couple has been dating since 2019 and got engaged in 2023Cierra Ramirez is getting ready to walk down the aisle! The Good Trouble actress, 30, teased her upcoming nuptials with her musician beau OTHRSYDE, whose real name is Jonathan Zallez, on Instagram with several fun photos of them in wedding attire on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, Calif. The Instagram carousel kicked off with a snap of the actress — who donned a lace high-low wedding gown, white garter and white veil with a bow — and her fiancé dressed in a black suit with a red checkered tie running along the sidewalk hand-in-hand. In additional pictures, they shared laughs and beaming smiles as they ran across the street and posed in front of the Chateau Marmont. OTHRSYDE, 30, led his future bride as they moved through different areas of the Sunset Strip. Another snap shows the musician placing a kiss on his fiancée's cheek and holding her waist as they struck a more serious pose.'From falling in love on the Sunset Strip to the altar🥹💍,' Ramirez captioned the photos, adding what appeared to be the date of the wedding: '9•13•25.' A week ago, Ramirez shared similar pre-wedding photos on Instagram. These ones showed the pair — in what appeared to be the same outfits as their latest Sunset Strip photoshoot — in a more natural setting. The two could be seen walking a pair of horses and riding them in front of the famous 'Hollywood' sign. 'I can't wait to steal your last name💍🤍,' she captioned those photos. The Fosters star confirmed her engagement to the 'Hurt Myself' singer on Instagram in September 2023. In the proposal photos, Zallez got down on one knee as Ramirez covered her mouth in surprise. The couple was surrounded by candles and white roses for the idyllic outdoor engagement. 'Spoiler alert: I said YES! 💍🤍,' Ramirez wrote in her caption. 'I prayed for a love like yours @othrsyde.' 'I also couldn't have dreamt up a better proposal if I tried . . .in my hometown with everyone I love,' she wrote. ' You are the most thoughtful person & I can't wait to annoy you for the rest of my life hehehe I'm the luckiest girl in the world🤍.' Ramirez and OTHRSYDE have been dating since 2019. In August 2021, the actress celebrated their two year anniversary by sharing a TikTok video of the pair on Instagram. 'Happy 2 years to the boy i love most in the whoooooole world, ✨@othrsyde✨,' she wrote in the caption at the time. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
A drop in foster numbers is not enough. Children deserve better outcomes.
In Minnesota, more than half of Fosters experience homelessness by age 24. (Photo by Getty Images) Recently released federal data shows that the number of children and youth in foster care nationwide dropped by 6.9% in 2023. Here in Minnesota, that might sound like good news at first glance. Fewer youth in care might suggest progress — a sign that our systems are getting better at supporting families and preventing unnecessary removals. But for those of us who have lived through foster care, and who organize every day with young people navigating it now, the story is more complex. At Foster Advocates, we are proud to be the only organization in Minnesota led by and for people with foster care experience — whom we call Fosters. We believe in a future where all young people, no matter how they enter the system, are met with safety, belonging and opportunity. Unfortunately, that future is still out of reach for most. Despite this recent drop in the number of youth in care, the outcomes for those who remain paint a grim picture. In Minnesota, more than half of Fosters experience homelessness by age 24, according to Wilder Research. And according to the National Foster Youth Institute, over 90% of Fosters do not have even $500 in savings. Just 37% graduate high school on time in Minnesota. That's why we launched what we call the Minnesota Promise: a statewide campaign to ask Fosters directly what real justice and support would look like. Over the past two years, we've hosted listening sessions with over 120 Fosters representing more than 50 counties. What they told us was clear: They want to be seen, heard and empowered; not simply managed by systems that too often ignore their needs and voices. Through our community organizing work, Fosters shared that, for many, it was the first time they had been in a room with others who shared their experience — without feeling ashamed or needing to hide it. They were able to have honest, difficult conversations with people who understood them immediately and without judgment. The Minnesota Promise is not a checklist of reforms. It is a vision for transformation, one rooted in healing, culture and the leadership of those most impacted. It demands that we stop measuring progress by the number of kids in care and start measuring it by the outcomes we create for them. Are they housed? Are they connected to community? Are they thriving? A numerical decline in foster care placements is not a promise kept. It could reflect positive shifts in prevention and family support, or it could mask deeper issues, such as youth aging out without support, or families discouraged from engaging with systems that historically have not served them well. If we want to turn this moment into real momentum, we must do more than celebrate numbers. We must invest in Foster-informed services and wellness, peer-led leadership, and system redesign led by Fosters themselves. Minnesota has the opportunity to lead the nation, not just in reducing the number of children in care, but in building a world where they no longer fall through the cracks once they leave. A smaller system does not mean a better one — unless we change the experience of those still inside it. The question now is not just how many children are in foster care. It's whether, collectively as Minnesotans, we're finally ready to keep our promise to them.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Refreshed Business Awards Now Open
The Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, supported by Fosters, are now open and this year sees a few changes. Entries for the prestigious awards, which celebrate the success of Waikato businesses, opened today. Aspiring businesses and individuals have until June 30 to submit their online entries highlighting the strengths and achievements of their business. Entry is open to all businesses and individuals within the Waikato region and you don't have to be a Chamber member to enter. Chamber marketing and events manager Rebecca Aston said this year some of the questions in select categories have been refined. 'These updates are designed to ensure that the awards process continues to celebrate excellence and innovation while aligning more closely with the specific focus of each category. We believe these changes will provide entrants with an even better opportunity to showcase their achievements.' There is a host of new judges this year, each of whom brings a wealth of expertise, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for recognising excellence in business across the region. 'Our judges have been carefully selected for their professional achievements and industry knowledge,' Rebecca said. And the International Trade category has a new sponsor in Hamilton-based Pasifika business Oyonnx, which specialises in building business capabilities and leadership. 'We've also renamed and rescoped a category,' Rebecca said. 'Small Business of the Year is now Emerging Business of the Year, which recognises excellence in emerging businesses within their first 2-5 years of operation, with an annual turnover of at least $500,000. 'The trend we've seen is that year on year, we receive more entries than the last so we're optimistic this year will again be bigger than the last.' Last year's gala dinner moved into Globox Arena at Claudelands Events Centre the first time to accommodate a record number of guests. The Chamber will host online drop-in sessions for those who would like help with the entry process. Those will be held on May 14, June 5 and June 19. People can register for those under the Business Awards section of the Chamber website. Chamber CEO Don Good said he is always impressed by the Waikato's high-performance, innovative business spirit that shines through in the awards. 'Waikato businesses tend to be quiet, humble achievers. The awards are an opportunity for businesses to increase their exposure, and receive professional insights and recommendations on their strategy,' said Good. 'In doing so they inspire others to aspire to greater things.' Entrants receive detailed feedback from the judge's assessment, which can then be used to grow, develop and improve their business. The judging team of more than 30 Waikato business leaders, headed by Dr Heather Connolly, reviews each application before selecting who will progress to stage two. Stage two involves a site visit with judges asking questions about the application and the business. Finalists will then be selected, with the winners of each category announced at the gala dinner. Metal fabrication company Longveld won the People and Culture award last year and co-founder Pam Roa was named CEO of the Year. On what winning the awards has meant, Pam said: 'it has generated an even greater sense of team pride and confidence and added to our reputation as an excellent organisation to work for and do business with.' Waitomo took out three awards last year, including the Supreme Award. Group manager customer experience Greta Shirley has advice for other businesses contemplating entering this year. 'Don't hesitate; the whole process is rewarding from start to finish. Everything from the opportunity to stop and reflect, through to the judging process, learning from others, to the networking opportunities, publicity and the actual Awards night – there is gold in there for all Waikato businesses and organisations. There is nothing to lose, and so much to gain.' For more information about entering the awards, to register to attend the drop-in sessions, or to purchase tickets to the gala dinner visit The Waikato Business Awards are supported by Fosters. Additional category sponsors are Company-X, Deloitte, Hamilton Airport, Kiwibank, Montana Food & Events, Sleepyhead, Trust Waikato, the University of Waikato, Wintec, 2degrees, Fairview, Oyonnx, Air New Zealand and Union Square.
