Then there’s Ricky Hatton. That one is still sitting on the wrong side. Because many people see themselves in him. The noise, the laughter, the dark corners he never avoided. Having lost him as we have, the peace left has not yet been lifted.

Even now, it feels unfinished. Anthony Joshua’s accident in Nigeria shocked everyone who walked into the ring. At one point you are planning a camping trip and a flight. Next, you’ll see the names of those who didn’t make it home. Sina Gami. Latif Ayodele. No belts involved. No drama. It’s this loss that reminds you how thin the line really is.

Our heritage name

George, Dwight, Greg, Ricky. Different era. Different styles. Same thing. They gave everything but left a part of themselves. Some are in the circle. Some much later.

People talk about legacies like trophies. Most of the time, they are just memories carried by the tired people who were there. Memories of sweat, blood, laughter and never-ending nights.

The year is coming to an end and no one is pretending it will be easy. No one is pretending that boxing is getting softer. All you can do is acknowledge who has left, keep showing up, and try not to waste the time you still have.

It’s always been like this.
This is still true.