Harry Garside was fired by trainer Johnny Lewis for repelling the fight and going on reality TV show ‘I’m a Celebrity’
Harry Garside’s professional boxing career is up in the air after deciding to appear on a reality TV show instead of accepting a fight.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the move prompted legendary coach Johnny Lewis to ditch the 25-year-old, who is seen by many as a future world champion.
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Garside has reportedly turned down an opportunity to officiate a boxing card for the Foxtel Main Event in his hometown of Melbourne, opting instead to appear on the Channel 10 reality TV show I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!
The reality TV show, which has featured multiple sports stars over the years, will start filming in March.
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Garside has not fought since May last year when he sustained a hand injury which required surgery and ruled him out from his next fight.
The decision to prioritize reality TV over boxing disappointed Lewis, who had previously mentored Jeff Fench and Kostya Tszyu.
“The ingredients to becoming a world champion are hard work and dedication,” Lewis told the Daily Telegraph.
“You can’t always fight back fights. There are no shortcuts in the fighting game.
“All of my great fighters over the years have been 100 percent disciplined and committed to boxing.
“We spoke to Harry about world titles and height.
“I’m really very disappointed but I really wish him the best, although I’m not sure if he’s choosing the right path.”
As an amateur, Garside won gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and took bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.
Garside is 3-0 since turning pro but would still have plenty of fights to go before he can fight for a world title.
He might even consider a return to the amateurs to win an Olympic gold medal at next year’s Paris Olympics.
The lightweight contender is among promoter No Limit’s up and coming young Australian boxers, which includes Tim and Nikita Tszyu, Sam Goodman and Paulo Aokuso.
Appearing at a no-limit promotional event in December, he hinted at a return to the boxing ring in February-March and a move to Europe or America in the second half of 2023.
Retiring from the boxing ring appears to be strong for Garside, who has built a loyal following on social media because he’s not afraid to challenge gender stereotypes.
Garside, nominated for the 2022 GQ Men of the Year Awards, isn’t afraid to step into the spotlight in a skirt or walk down the runway at a fashion show.
He told news.com.au in November: “I truly believe that as a society we should support individuality and uniqueness and the flock that supports that, not the flock that supports people who feel having to adapt and be like everyone else.”
“There are just a few super negative trolls hanging around, but then there are those who ask me serious questions like ‘what impact are you having on young people.’ I mean, here I am wearing a skirt and confusing young people?”
