Former world champion boxer Kell Brook has publicly credited his partner, fellow fighter Ebanie Bridges, with saving his life after a prolonged battle with inner demons.
A Public Declaration of Salvation
Brook, who is 39, offered a raw glimpse into his private struggles last month, revealing he had been fighting addiction and depression for years. In a powerful admission, he stated that the Australian boxer was instrumental in his recovery. 'She got me out of that darkness. She saved my life, really and truthfully,' Brook declared. The comments were made ahead of his scheduled return to the ring in February against Eisa Al Dah.
Pulling Back From the Brink
Bridges, deeply moved by her partner's openness, has now spoken about the profound impact of his words. 'It made me feel appreciated and it was just lovely to hear that, and for him to make that public,' she told Fox Sports Australia. She expressed grave concern about the path Brook was on, drawing a stark comparison. 'The way he was headed with his lifestyle, addiction and mental health issues, there was high chances he would end up like Ricky Hatton,' she revealed.
Bridges confirmed that people close to Brook have since told her, 'if it wasn't for you I don't think Kell would still be here.' She reflected on the nature of her support, saying, 'When you pull someone out of darkness and away from the anchors of addiction, and help them build a new life, I guess it is saving them.'
Seeing the Man Beneath the Struggle
In a separate interview with Boxing King Media, Bridges described Brook's condition with poignant intensity, saying she believed he was 'possessed by the devil' of addiction and depression. She explained that her motivation came from seeing the real man hidden beneath these struggles. 'I saw the person, the man he is underneath. I could see that he was possessed by this devil... I could see what was underneath and I wanted to bring that out.'
She also highlighted how significant it was for the notoriously private Brook to speak so openly about their relationship and his vulnerabilities. 'So for him to come out about that was really lovely,' she added.
The boxing power couple, who have both held world titles, went public with their relationship earlier this year after welcoming their first child, a daughter named Ezerra Ray.
