Champion Greensmith returns to the ring – at 50 years old

Jason Greensmith was British, European and world kickboxing champion during his career, but retired ten years ago.

But like several other British team competitors at the Paris Olympics, he was keen to get back into the ring so his daughter could see her father fight in real life.

And he did so in June during Titan Boxing Limited’s professional boxing programme ‘Clash of the Titans’ at the Turton Sports Centre in Bromley Cross, marking his final retirement from the sport as champion.

Greensmith said: “I have many fond memories of my career and retired 10 years ago.

“I had the opportunity to travel all over the world and compete.

“I represented Team GB and the England team and won World, European and British titles, and I also boxed professionally.

“But I missed it every day. I always felt like I ended my career at the wrong time.

“When I was 50, I decided to end my career the way I wanted to: I wanted to do it one more time.

“I was given the opportunity to end my career the way I wanted.

“I was part of the ‘champion of champions’ federation of the Titan Boxing Federation. I took part in one of the toughest fights I have ever experienced, fighting an opponent with a huge height advantage: he was 2.00 meters.

“It was a very technical fight from start to finish against a fighter half my age, but if you want to be the best, you have to fight the best.

“I was not only fighting for myself, but also for my daughter, who had never seen her father fight.

“It was a moment I will never forget when she told me how proud she was of me.

“My daughter was my inspiration when she saw her father fight for the first time. It was a great ending to a great career and it also raised money for autism awareness.”

Greensmith says his comeback wouldn’t have been possible without the support of family and friends, and he also thanks the charity Back On Track Manchester, which supports the homeless and people with mental health issues.

Greensmith added: “Back On Track are based in Manchester and they have helped me immensely to get back on track, to the point where I decided to enter the Titans ‘Champion of Champions’ event.

“It is a foundation that is great and that is a big part of my life.

“When I ended my career as a professional boxer and kickboxer, I felt completely lost and didn’t know where to go or what to do.

“They have helped me tremendously and I have been a close member of theirs for 12 years.

“Thanks to them I also left as champion for the last time.”

Now that he has retired from fighting for the second time, Greensmith hopes to train the next generation of talent and plans to open a new gym.

He added: “I have now decided to start a new journey by mentoring other professional fighters and helping them achieve their dreams, just like I did.

“I want to open a select freestyle karate academy in Heywood soon, where I will be the head instructor.

“I hope I can make the future dreams of many of my students come true.”