Boxing: What can be done to help boxers’ welfare during and after their careers?

For some, the answer is a bricks and mortar solution.

Jimmy Revie, a former British champion, now lives with dementia. The 78-year-old man from London is looked after by his wife Louisa, who takes him to former boxers’ meetings to prevent the dying flame from dying out.

“He perks up when he goes to meetings because he sees all the former fighters and they all say ‘hi Jim’ and they’re all friendly,” he says.

Louisa is a strong supporter of the Ringside Charity Trust, which is campaigning to open a 36-bed specialist care home for retired boxers; a facility similar to those provided by the Jockey Club for former riders.

Currently, the charity operates a helpline helping warriors in serious distress.

“They will have their own nursing staff who know boxing,” explains Louisa. “They know everyone. They want to build a movie theater there so they can watch their old fights.

“That way it’ll be a better atmosphere for them. And I think they’ll thrive there.”

Stephen Smith, who comes from a family of boxers and has coached others including former world champions Callum Smith and Liam Smith, says retired fighters have become “vulnerable” and can feel “forgotten”.

“When you retire, your phone never works again,” he says.

“It’s sad, but if there’s anything that can help take care of fighters after the sport, that’s a huge, huge deal.”

The trust has high-profile support; Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua wore their logo on his clothing during his last fight with Jake Paul.

But while the will existed, the way to finance it proved difficult.