A FORMER soldier who took up bareknuckle boxing to help improve his mental health has raised hundreds of pounds for vital charities through the sport.
Ryan Sanson, of Bradford, served seven years in the British Army, completing two tours of Afghanistan and one tour of Iraq.
The 36-year-old said he left the military in 2014 and suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder - but he took up bareknuckle boxing two years ago, something which has massively helped his mental health.
It has not just been good for Ryan's well-being - he has also raised around £1,000 for the Royal British Legion (RBL) and I Heart Africa by taking to the ring.
Ryan - who made his professional debut in the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship in Newcastle last month, winning his fight - said: "Bareknuckle boxing has helped my mental health by giving me a mission, an objective.
"It has helped me to maintain my discipline and focus my mind.
"As a former professional soldier, I was trained to a high level in support of special forces operations.
"I started boxing in the military and realised combat sports were a great way to improve my mental health.
"Upon leaving the Army, I realised I needed an outlet and a release.
"I do believe bareknuckle boxing - and the lifestyle surrounding it - has saved my life.
"Essentially bareknuckle boxing has been my therapy," added Ryan, who works as a support worker for children and young people as well as a security operative.
Ryan said he has so far raised around £1,000 for the RBL and I Heart Africa from his fight ticket sales, with more people donating directly to the charities by him raising awareness about them.
He added: "I chose to help the RBL because when I left the military I struggled to reintegrate back into civilian life.
"The RBL supported me and essentially stopped me from becoming homeless.
"I also want to help I Heart Africa because in 2022 I went to the Democratic Republic of Congo and worked in a voluntary role with the charity.
"I saw immense poverty and suffering but also how the charity helps people to become safe and self-sustainable.
"This is just the beginning of my journey with my intention to continue to fight on this huge platform and continue to raise money and awareness for my chosen charities."
Ryan said he aims to obtain a contract with the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship, which is part-owned by professional boxer Conor McGregor, and he is looking forward to taking part in more fights in the future.
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