Lights Out

A long time ago now, when I was 14 years old, I was always getting into trouble and fighting. I was like an overcharged battery, full of mischief, acting impulsively. I never settled at school and was expelled from secondary. 

A friend of my older brother decided he would take me along to Dragon’s Gym, a Thai boxing gym in Carlisle. It helped me to release some of my energy and kept me occupied three nights a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night, which was my favourite because we would spar. I wasn’t allowed to spar with the other lads until I attended regularly for some time. I kept on at the trainer who was Thai boxing British champion Mike Haslin. 

One day, to my surprise, he allowed me to spar with this new lad who was only one year older. I was all excited and put my gloves on and got into the ring. I looked at my brother’s friends smiling, and I remember thinking ‘I’m going to kick his ass’. We started trading punches and kicks, then, suddenly, lights out. From being full of life and energy in this brightly lit up ring to being in pitch black and lifeless, laid on the floor, was scary. I remember coming around and everyone laughing and feeling like I was in the centre of the spotlight. Never again!