Australian star Harry Garside’s boxing career is up in the air after opting to appear on reality television rather than take a fight.
His decision has led legendary trainer Johnny Lewis to drop the boxer from his roster despite seeing enormous potential in him.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the 25-year-old has chosen to be a contestant on Channel 10’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
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He subsequently rejected the opportunity to headline a local boxing card in Melbourne that was to air on Foxtel’s Main Event.
The boxer hasn’t fought since May when he suffered a hand injury that required surgery.
Garside has grown a great following and popularity in the sport due to his unapologetic fashion and lifestyle that challenges gender stereotypes.
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He was tipped for superstardom in the sport and as a future champion, however, his trainer is disappointed he has chosen not to focus on boxing in the near future.
Lewis told the Telegraph: “The ingredients for being a world champion are hard work and commitment.
“You can’t keep knocking back fights. There are no shortcuts in the fight game.
“All my great fighters from over the years were 100 per cent disciplined and dedicated to boxing.
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“We’d been talking to Harry about world titles and greatness.
“I’m actually really disappointed but I genuinely wish him well although I’m not sure that he’s choosing the right path.”
Lewis has trained some of Australia’s finest in the boxing world, including Jeff Fench and Kostya Tszyu.
Garside had shown great promise and was part of the No Limit stable of young Aussie talent such as Tim and Nikita Tszyu, Sam Goodman, and Paulo Aukuso.
He is 3-0 since turning professional in 2021.
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As an amateur boxer, he won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2020 Olympic Games.
At the Tokyo Olympics, he wore nail polish as part of his desire to defy gender stereotypes.
He could still yet make a return to amateur boxing.
Jayden Collins