Shocking Downfall: 5 Famous Boxers Who Lost Everything They Worked For!
In the world of boxing, there are boxers who faced a tough time after their success. They lost all the money and fame they had earned. In this blog, we will look at the stories of five boxers who went from being rich and famous to losing everything. These boxers were once champions and heroes, but they made mistakes that led to their downfall. We will explore their journeys and learn from their experiences. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t guarantee a happy ending, and we should be cautious with our money and make wise decisions.
Top 5 boxers who lost everything they had.
Frank Bruno
Source: www.frankbruno.co.uk
Frank Bruno, the former world heavyweight champion from England, has faced significant challenges since his boxing career. Although he may still have some money, Bruno has experienced profound changes in his life. Since retiring from boxing in 1995, he has been in and out of mental hospitals, grappling with mental health issues. During one of his hospital stays, Bruno even had to defend himself against a knife-wielding attacker. Now 52 years old, Bruno achieved a record of 40 wins, 5 losses, with 38 knockouts. However, he is often remembered for being defeated twice by Mike Tyson. Bruno has openly admitted to using cocaine and has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Despite remaining a popular figure in Britain, he continues to battle mental illness, highlighting the ongoing struggles he faces even after his boxing career.
Joe Louis
Source: The Fight City
Joe Louis, hailed as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers, had an impressive record of 66 wins and 3 losses, including 52 knockouts. Holding the title from 1937 to 1949, Louis earned around $4.5 million during his successful career. However, his fortunes took a turn when he was drafted into the army and discovered a significant tax debt upon his return. Louis’s managers also took a large portion of his earnings, and he had a big family to support. Despite his efforts, he struggled to repay the IRS and resorted to professional wrestling after retiring from boxing. Later in life, Louis worked as a greeter at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Sadly, he faced financial difficulties and drug addiction, leading to help from former opponent Max Schmeling to cover his funeral expenses. Joe Louis passed away at the age of 61 in 1985, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Ricky Burns
Source: Ring Magazine
Ricky Burns, a professional boxer from Coatbridge, Scotland, faced financial difficulties and declared bankruptcy in March 2015. His debts exceeded $500,000 while his reported assets were valued at only $300. Burns had incurred significant financial losses from a legal dispute with his former promoter, Frank Warren. Despite the financial setback, the 31-year-old fighter maintained an impressive record of 37 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, including 11 knockouts. As a former two-weight world champion in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions, Burns remained active in the sport. By continuing to fight, he had the opportunity to earn money and potentially resolve his financial challenges.
Rocky Lockridge
Source: El Paso Times
Rocky Lockridge, a former boxer from Tacoma, Washington, achieved success as the WBA Super Featherweight world titleholder. He had an impressive record of 44 wins and 9 losses, including 36 knockouts. Lockridge won the title in 1984 by defeating Roger Mayweather in the first round. Throughout his career, he reportedly earned $2.5 million. However, Lockridge’s life took a difficult turn after retiring in 1992. He became addicted to drugs, which led to homelessness and even a stroke. In an emotional episode of the reality show “Intervention,” Lockridge’s family held an intervention to address his addiction. Despite his challenges, Lockridge has a hopeful dream of becoming a boxing trainer in the future.
Leon Spinks
Source: CBS Sports
Leon Spinks, hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, will always be remembered for his surprising victory over Muhammad Ali in 1979, where he became the world heavyweight champion in only his eighth professional fight. Spinks, also known as ‘Neon Leon,’ had a record of 26 wins, 17 losses, and 3 draws, with 14 knockouts. Throughout his boxing career, he earned an estimated $4.5 million. However, two decades after his triumph over Ali, Spinks faced significant hardships, including homelessness and multiple arrests, mostly related to drug charges. He revealed that he had spent most of his boxing earnings on drugs and had worked as a janitor at a local YMCA in Columbus, Nebraska, to make ends meet. Interestingly, Spinks’s son, Cory, became a former junior middleweight champion, continuing the family’s involvement in the boxing world.
The journeys of these boxers serve as powerful reminders that success can be fleeting, but the will to rise again can be indomitable. In the end, their stories are a testament to the complexities of life and the unwavering spirit that defines the boxing world and humanity as a whole. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section
