Latest news with #Teddy
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
‘I was there to lose' – Confessions of journeyman boxer who LOST 96 fights but has WON battles with cocaine and booze
Jack Figg, Digital Sports Reporter Published: Invalid Date, 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. 5 5 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. 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 5 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 5
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
LIZ JONES: There have been a lot of 'if onlys' in my life. Now, after a traumatic year, I've swallowed two citalopram tablets. So are antidepressants the answer?
I've swallowed two citalopram tablets. I keep waiting for my personality to change: I will be confident and arrogant and not answer emails for days, even weeks. I thought I might feel more relaxed on round two of my bid to assuage my stress by taking Teddy on a long walk. So, on Thursday, Nic and I chose a route in what I think is the most beautiful valley in the Dales. She brought her beagle, Boris, who is hugely strong. It didn't go well. We saw a spaniel, and while Nic tried to contain Teddy, almost riding him in the process, Boris tried to back out of his harness. Crossing a field, I was worried it might contain cows with calves. 'We need to run,' I told Nic.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donkey display highlights role of animals in wartime
A military museum in North Yorkshire had a very different type of visitor today - one with long ears, four legs and an important role in conflicts, past and present. The Green Howards Museum in Richmond hosted Tom, Maurice and Teddy, from Blackberry Donkeys, as part of its ongoing Animals Allies exhibition. Visitors were able to get up close with the equines, see authentic wartime packsaddles and VE War brasses, and learn about the role of donkeys in military history. Steve Erskine, regimental researcher at The Green Howards Museum said: "We think it's important to be more than just the bangs and the bullets, but to tell all those other stories that don't necessarily get coverage." The Donkeys at the Museum event was created in partnership with the Donkey Breed Society, and features a display of purple poppies, created to commemorate all the animals that played a vital role in global wars. The organisation has been showcasing both the poppies and donkeys owned by members of the society around military museums across North Yorkshire, including York Army Museum. Sarah Booth, from the Donkey Breed Society Northern Region, explained: "Donkeys are stoic creatures - we never hear them complain. "They've been used - and misused - throughout history. "We want to raise the very important message of the part that donkeys, as well as other equines, and dogs, cats, pigeons and rats, have played in warzones throughout history." Mr Erskine added: "The exhibition has proved to be popular - to do something a little bit different, to appeal to a slightly different audience from the normal audience of a military museum. "We want to stress the army isn't just about fighting - we're using these animals to get humanitarian aid into earthquake zones, to get medicines into hard-to-reach villages in the mountains." Tom, Maurice and Teddy are therapy donkeys, part of a wider group of seven donkeys that are available to hire for educational events, care home visits, and even television work. Owner Marie Bates said: "The nature of the donkeys - how they are around people - just makes them amazing animals. They're so calming." But when not providing a calming influence, they love playing football and have their own unique personality quirks - according to Ms Bates. "Teddy, particularly, is a little cheeky chap. His favourite treat is ginger biscuits, and I'm sure he'll have a couple of those before he goes home at the end of the day!" Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders accidentally unveil Zack's fate in leaked social media video
EastEnders suffered a huge blunder last night when they accidentally posted a video revealing Zack Hudson's fate after fears he died during Tuesday's episode Last night's EastEnders had fans questioning if Zack Hudson was really dead following a dramatic car crash. During Tuesday's episode, Teddy Mitchell and Zack Hudson were in danger after their car veered off into a lake. However, on Wednesday, fans saw Teddy escape the chaos, although Zack was nowhere to be seen. The dramatic crash happened after Teddy removed Zack from Harry's car boot, after learning of Zack's plan to leave Walford with his son Barney. Teddy, frightened of what his son would do, drove an unconscious Zack off for a "chat" but mid drive, he regained consciousness. Scared, Zack tried to take over the wheel which caused the horror crash. After emerging from the lake, Teddy revealed he couldn't find Zack - with the rest of the Mitchells, and many fans, fearing he was dead. Things became even more explosive when Vicki Fowler barged into the Mitchells family home, telling Barney that Zack was his dad, not Teddy. That wasn't all though, she also screamed that the family had Zack killed, before a dramatic Duff Duff to end the episode. Fans were left wondering if Zack really was dead - but it looks like the soap accidentally revealed the answer to the question a day early with the accidental posting of a social media video. The video has now been removed, but not before some eagle eyed fans saw. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "Just seen like five minutes of tomorrows eastenders episode on tiktok someone's losing their job tomorrow lmao." Another fan, who uploaded a screenshot of the clip penned: "this stunt was such a waste (eastenders accidentally uploaded scenes from tomorrows episode)." To avoid spoilers, The Mirror has chosen not to reveal his fate. Fans who can't wait can watch now on BBC iPlayer, or wait until 7.30pm on BBC One to find out what happened next. Earlier this week, Zack remained coy during an interview on This Morning, leading some to believe he'd be leaving the soap. Soap expert Sharon Marshall headed to Albert Square on Monday, where she asked the star if his character would make it out alive. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders return 'from the dead' in early release as week reaches explosive end
This article contains spoilers for tonight's episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed on iPlayer now. Secrets have been unearthed, truths have been told and one local arrived home from 'beyond the grave' in the conclusion of another dramatic week in Albert Square. The Mitchells were reeling from Vicki Fowler's (Alice Haig) bombshell, as a stunned Barney (Lewis Bridgeman) took in the fact Teddy (Roland Manookian) isn't his father. Ordering everyone out of the house, Barns' demanded some alone time with the man who raised him and had some serious questions about his upbringing. The two had a heart to heart, breaking down in one another's arms. When Teddy explained that he had no intentions of telling him the truth about his paternity, and hoped to continue living a normal life, Barney was deeply hurt. He told his 'dad' that he was sick of so many secrets being brushed under the carpet at No. 1, and wanted full transparency on what had blown them all apart in recent weeks. Teddy opened up about Shireen Bashar's death and Nicola's (Laura Doddington) involvement, and Barney was disgusted. He began to ponder whether Teddy had ever doubted whether he was really his child, given so many differences between them. Full of emotional, Teddy admitted that he had no idea, and has also suffered a huge loss. Barney needed some time to think, and rushed out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Elsewhere, the aforementioned zombie emerged into Walford. It is, of course, Zack Hudson (James Farrar), who revealed to his nearest and dearest that he didn't drown in the epic lake stunt after all. What he didn't realise was that Barney was right in front of him, and he struggled to find the words to speak to his son. After keeping it secret for so long, he hadn't actually considered how he would broach the subject. As the atmosphere defrosted, and Zack dried off from his icy plunge, he detailed how he discovered the jaw-dropping revelation. Zack also told Barney about Nicola's attempts to silence him, branding her 'evil' and a 'psychopath'. Explaining that he didn't think he was safe with the Mitchells, he divulged his plan for them to flee to Inverness and hoped Barns' would be on board. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Spooked by the prospect of a man he barely knows whisking him off to the other side of the country, he darted out onto Bridge Street and was caught between two families. Nicola, Teddy and Harry (Elijah Holloway) were stood on one side, with Zack and Vicki on the other. Both fathers pleaded their case, trying to bargain for Barney's attention. More Trending As a physical fight began to emerge, Nicola ordered the men to stop and told them to consider what the teen wanted. It was his choice. But who will he pick? Birth father Zack, or the man who raised him, Teddy? Metro has decided to keep this spoiler a secret, and you can find out yourself by tuning into the episode. View More » EastEnders airs these scenes tonight at 7.30pm. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: Zack and Teddy left to die in watery plunge in early EastEnders streaming release MORE: Nicola loses everything in EastEnders iPlayer release – and tragedy follows MORE: EastEnders' Nicola comeuppance 'sealed' as another secret is exposed – and Teddy is not happy
