A former world kickboxing champion from Bury came out of retirement this summer for one last hurrah - at the age of 50.
Jason Greensmith was a British, European and world kickboxing champion during his career but retired a decade ago.
However, much like several of the Team GB Olympians in Paris, he felt a desire to get back in the ring so his daughter could see her dad fight in the flesh.
And he did just that in June on Titan Boxing Limited’s ‘Clash of the Titans’ professional boxing show at Turton Sports Centre, in Bromley Cross, walking away from the sport as a champion one last time.
Greensmith said: “I have many great memories in my career and retired from the sport 10 years ago.
“I got the chance to travel and compete all over the world.
“I represented Team GB and the England team, winning world, European and British Titles and I also did professional boxing.
“But I missed it every day. I always felt I ended my career at the wrong time.
“So at the age of 50, I decided to end my career the way I wanted to - I just wanted to do it all one last time.
“I was given this opportunity to finish my career the way I wanted to.
“I was part of the Titan Boxing Federation ‘champion of champions’ bill, I took on one of the hardest fights I’ve ever had, competing against an opponent with massive height advantage - he was 6ft 11ins.
“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.
“Not only was I fighting for myself but for my daughter who has never seen her dad compete.
“It was a moment I will never forget when she told me how proud of me she was.
“My daughter was my inspiration seeing her dad fight for the first time ever it was an amazing end to a amazing career and also raising money for autism awareness.”
Greensmith says his comeback would not have been possible without the support of family and friends - and he also credits the Back On Track Manchester charity who support the homeless and people struggling with their mental health.
Greensmith added: “Back On Track are based in Manchester and they totally helped me get back on track to the point I decided to complete in the Titans ‘champion of champions’ event.
“It’s a foundation which is amazing it has been a major part of my life.
“When I finished my career as a professional boxer and kickboxer, I felt completely lost and didn’t know were to go or what to do anymore.
“They helped me so much and I have been a close member with them for 12 years.
“Because of them I also walked away a champion one last time.”
Now he has finally, for a second time, called time on his fighting career, Greensmith hopes to help nurture the next generation of talent and plans to open a new gym.
He added: “I have now decided to begin a new journey by mentoring other professional fighter s making there dreams come true just as I did.
“I am looking to open a select freestyle karate academy in Heywood soon were I will be chief instructor.
“I hope to make future dreams come true for many of my students.”
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