Boxer Harrison back in the ring after tragic loss

Harrison Pettitt, who was born in Walsall but now lives in Lichfield, will take to the ring for BCB Promotions' March Mayhem event at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday, March 28.

It has been 10 years since he last stepped through the ropes for a competitive contest, after his grandfather, Larry Temble, died when he was 17.

Harrison then became a dad at the age of 23 years old – but his daughter, Mielah Rose, passed away from a sudden illness when she was just nine days old.

Despite working as a delivery driver for Amazon, Harrison still had dreams of pro-boxing glory and feels like he is on the right road for sporting success.

Brad Foster, a British and Commonwealth champion at super bantam, and his dad Martin Foster, have helped him on his journey.

Harrison was there to support Brad in his successful defence against Lucien Reid on February 22 – the fourth anniversary of his daughter's death, while Harrison's uncle, Steve Pettitt, is a former Midlands cruiserweight title winner.

His short amateur run a decade ago, saw him rack up four bouts, representing Pleck and later Walsall Wood Boxing Club.

Harrison, now 27, will join the same division where his amateur experience came, super lightweight.

Battle

He said: "It was always my aim to box again, but things happen that knock you back. I fell out of love with it, firstly when my grandad died.

“He taught me a lot about boxing, from an early age, and my uncle Steve had a good pro career so, as a family, we have always been into it.

“I took it badly when my daughter passed away. It was a big battle for me mentally and I wasn’t well for quite a while but, eventually, I managed to turn my life around.

“I had ballooned up to 17-and-a-half stone, too, so I have had to drop around seven stone to be able to make super lightweight again.

“I also tore the distal tendon in my bicep, so I couldn’t even work for a while, but I’ve got another job now and it’s going well.

“I got the weight off myself. But it was Brad and Martin that got me back into a boxing gym. They’re good mates of mine and Martin is my coach now."

Harrison added: “I have always been strong and powerful, but they have added more skills to that and we have tweaked a few things that I do.

“I just want to go out there and enjoy my debut now, I will be savouring every moment. I know how short life can be. Boxing has given me focus and something to strive for.

“I don’t want to be a one-hit wonder, either. I plan to have a career out of it and who knows where that might lead, the sky's the limit.”

Tickets for the March Mayhem event at Walsall Town Hall cost £35 standard, or £65 VIP ringside with buffet. To book, call BCB box office on 07493 582261.