Professional boxer Maxi Hughes has been abruptly pulled away from his ambitious house renovation project to answer a last-minute fight call, accepting a bout against the undefeated Pierce O'Leary in Dublin with only two weeks to prepare. The 36-year-old super-lightweight from Doncaster, who once worked as a painter and decorator during the early years of his career, finds himself trading his DIY tools for boxing gloves once again.
From Building Site to Boxing Ring
Hughes had believed his days of laboring on construction sites were behind him after transitioning to full-time boxing, but his current home renovation has proven otherwise. He stepped in to replace Mark Chamberlain on short notice, forcing him to temporarily halt work on what he describes as his "forever house." The property, a historic four-bedroom home lacking insulation, requires extensive renovations including a new roof, steel reinforcements, stonework, and a complete strip back to bare brick before an extension can be added.
A Labor of Love Interrupted
"I've got a huge house renovation going on so I'll obviously do as much of that as I can myself, but I don’t mind that because it’s mine," Hughes explained. "We've bought a really old house which was really cold over winter. It requires a lot of steel, a lot of stonework, a full new roof, and then the whole house needs taking back to bare brick before we add an extension."
The fighter was actively working on converting his garage into a personal gym when he received the fight offer. Despite the disruption, Hughes maintained his professional training regimen, balancing construction duties with boxing preparations. "I was working on it when I got the call for this fight but I was still being professional and training plenty," he noted.
Title Implications and Domestic Compromises
Tonight's clash in Dublin carries significant stakes, as Hughes and O'Leary will compete for the IBO world super-lightweight title. A victory could position Hughes favorably for future opportunities at one of boxing's four major championships. However, the boxer acknowledges that his authority extends only so far—particularly when it comes to home decor decisions.
"I've been given one living room, although I've got to put a request in to my wife as to how I want to decorate it and she gets to say yes or no," Hughes admitted with humor. His domestic priorities remain modest: "As long as I get my log burner fire, a telly and a nice comfy chair, I'm happy with that."
Creating a Family Legacy
The renovation project represents more than mere construction; it's about building a lasting family home. "We’ve had all the planning approved and it’s our forever house; it’s our castle, so to speak," Hughes shared. "It's got a beautiful garden and it's a great place to bring up the kids."
Before the renovation began, the property's garden was dominated by overgrown conifers that towered above the house. Hughes had them removed and repurposed the wood for log burners, blending practicality with personal touch. Though the house remains "a rough old place at the minute," his vision is clear: transform it into a customized dream home where he can raise his children.
As Hughes steps into the ring tonight, his mind may briefly wander back to the unfinished renovation awaiting his return. Yet for now, his focus remains squarely on Pierce O'Leary and the IBO title that could redefine his boxing career.
