“Should Be In Rehab Not a Boxing Ring”: Despite Overcoming His Addiction, Scott Fitzgerald’s Comeback Doesn’t Sit Well With Fans

Former British light middleweight champion Scott Fitzgerald now seems ready to leave the past behind. The Commonwealth Games gold medalist last entered the ring in 2021. Aside from his substance use concerns, Fitzgerald had to deal with a series of legal issues, which included serving a prison term last year.

talkSPORT‘s Michael Benson shared an update on the Lancastrian boxer yesterday. However, instead of an overall mood of excitement, most fans and followers of the sport seem to be taking the news of his tentative return with a pinch of salt.

Scott Fitzgerald: Turning the Page

According to the X post by Benson, Scott Fitzgerald has reportedly shared that he is feeling fit. Further, he expects a comeback, hopefully within this year itself. The former English national champion’s last proper bout occurred on October 19, 2019. He defeated Londoner Ted Cheeseman and became the British light middleweight champion.

But thereafter, he badly struggled with alcohol and substance abuse. Last year, in May, after he acknowledged an offense (grievous bodily harm) committed in 2022, a court sentenced him to a prison term. It lasted 46 weeks. Then, in February of this year, he was acquitted by the court on charges of sexual violence.

“However, Fitzgerald was found not guilty on his rape charge after a trial in February (unanimous jury verdict which took just one hour), and so is now clear to return to boxing,” read Benson’s post. The tweet has since received an array of responses.

Fitzgerald receives both backlash and support

A close perusal reveals that not all appeared too enthusiastic about Scott Fitzgerald’s ring return. Let’s check out a few replies and see what fans had to say.

This user appeared nostalgic. Recalling how Fitzgerald possessed an extraordinary and natural talent, they mentioned the boxer was in a position where he could have achieved great success and accomplished anything he wanted.

One boxing fan remembered ‘Fitzy’ as a splendid fighter. They expressed hopes that he returns to the same outstanding boxer, performing at the level that he once used to.

This follower, contrastingly, believes that before he enters the ring again, Scott Fitzgerald first needs some professional help. According to him, this will help Fitzgerald deal with his personal issues. The significant internal problems that Fitzgerald is dealing with cannot be resolved through boxing alone, the follower said.

Then the following user appears worried. Any further physical harm, particularly to his head, might prove detrimental to Fitzgerald’s well-being, they cautioned.

This fan of the sweet science cited Mason Greenwood’s example. Similar to how the soccer player might not play in England, this user strongly opined that Scott Fitzgerald should be prohibited from boxing in the United Kingdom.

It’s not clear who Scott Fitzgerald would face once he gets a fight this year. However, if he is serious about making up for whatever career he has left in boxing, then he cannot afford to lose his focus. More significantly, he will have to leave behind what happened in the past.

According to a piece in ‘The Gazette’, post his recent court acquittal, Scott Fitzgerald said, “It’s been four years of hell. But my focus now is getting back in the ring—possibly as early as May. I’ve been in the gym training for the past three months, and I’m just so glad this is over.” The Lancastrian boxer will turn 33 this December and he will have to make smart moves in the coming years. Only then can he look forward to leaving behind a solid legacy when he finally hangs up the gloves.

What’s your take on the reactions to Scott Fitzgerald’s comeback? Please share your views with us in the comments below.