Kell Brook admits to mental health struggles after retirement from boxing
The Sheffield fighter apologised to his ‘family, friends and fans’ amid concern for his wellbeing
Kell Brook has admitted to struggling with his mental health during his retirement from boxing, while apologising to ‘family, friends and fans’ amid concern for his wellbeing.
A video of Brook appearing to snort white powder in his home circulated in January and led fans to question the Sheffield fighter’s behaviour, and he has now taken to social media to address the situation.
“I messed up. I hold my hands up and want to apologise to my family, gym, friends and fans,” the 36-year-old wrote in an Instagram story.
“It’s no secret that I struggle with mental health and I’m finding retirement hard. I’m actively seeking the help I need to get me on the right path.
“And again [I] apologise for the hurt and disappointment I’ve caused.”
Brook last fought in February 2022, stopping old rival Amir Khan in a long-awaited grudge match in Manchester.
“The Special One” then called time on his 18-year professional career, in which he reigned as IBF welterweight champion from 2014 to 2017, retiring with a record of 40-3 (28 knockouts).
Alongside his sixth-round victory over fellow Briton Khan, Brook’s signature result will arguably go down as his points win against Shawn Porter in 2014.
Brook’s only pro defeats came against pound-for-pound stars Gennady Golovkin, Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford, all of whom stopped “Special K”.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies