September 23rd 2023.
Lee Gormley is no stranger to the world of boxing. Before becoming a professional fighter, he had already made a name for himself as a journalist, writing for the likes of Boxing Monthly, Boxing News and RTE Sport.
Gormley found himself drawn to the sport after sustaining an injury while playing football. He quickly became hooked and soon decided to pursue a career in boxing.
"When I started boxing it was mainly for a new sporting focus," Gormley told The Agency. "But I instantly got hooked and wanted to compete straight away."
Gormley began competing in amateur fights in 2016/17, which proved to be invaluable experience for his eventual move to the professional game.
"The amateur experience was vital for eventually turning professional," Gormley said. "I fought so many different styles of fighters in almost 40 bouts. But it was always the pro game I had my eye on down the line."
Gormley's ambition to turn professional had to be balanced with his full-time job at BOXRAW, as well as the pressures of bringing up a young family.
"It's been a very hard process but it's worth it," he said. "There are times when it's very strenuous, having to train and then work and support my family as well, but I always find enjoyment from it all."
Gormley has managed to fit in an intense schedule of training, working, fighting and everything else that comes with pursuing a professional career. He trains for two hours every morning at Elite Boxing Gym in Bolton, then goes home to work his full-time job at BOXRAW and finishes his day with roadwork.
"A lot of people will only see the actual training and fight nights," Gormley said. "But there's far more pressures to the pro game. The main thing at this level is selling tickets and sorting out sponsors to support your career."
Gormley's two professional victories have both come via unanimous decision. He is thankful for the support of his sponsors and the people who have come to watch him fight.
Writing about and studying boxing inspired Gormley to compete himself.
"It was the journey fighters go on and the levels they're willing to go to to achieve their goals that inspired me," he said. "Despite the hardships you hear so often about all the legendary fighters, a fire got lit in me that still wanted to get involved."
Gormley believes that covering the sport has also helped him in the ring, as he has developed technical benefits from studying and watching boxing closely.
"I can take some of that into the ring with me and am aware of potential risks or things to avoid," he said.
Gormley is not just in it for the short run. He has serious ambitions in the ring and is aiming to stay as active as possible over the coming months.
"I'm in this for the long run, boxing is my lifestyle," he said. "I'm all in. Everything revolves around boxing for me, for both my job and my pro career."
With his work ethic and determination, it would be foolish to underestimate Gormley as he sets his sights on titles.
"The aim is titles," he said. "I'd love to win an Irish title and the Central Area title would be a nice one to win since I'm based in Manchester. Then I'll continue pushing on from there and strive for even more."
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