The Thamesmead Boxer who suffered a stroke back in April of this year, is slowly getting his routine back on track.

Ryan Barrett, of Gumshield Gym, is combating the bad omens that forced him into early retirement, by jumping back in the gym and sharing his expertise in the sport that he loves.

This, a stark contrast to mere months ago, where Ryan lay bed-bound. Unable to rest due to the onslaught of migraines.

“It felt so unnatural to me. I’m a man of routine, I’ve lived my life by it. And to have that taken away from me was devastating”.

Not only was Ryan fearing for his welfare, he couldn’t come to terms with the unavoidable truth - his career was over.

“I couldn’t get it out of my head, I had never thought about life after Boxing and here it was, just thrown on me”.

However, with the help and support of friends, family and past opponents, Ryan turned his misfortune into something more positive.

“The message from Amir Khan meant a lot to me. For him to take time out of his schedule was a true testament to the spirit of Boxing. It was one of the things that rejuvenated my fighting spirit”

Ryan decided to approach his recovery with the same mentality he would training for a fight. Substituting his end goal of making weight, with a return to the gym he missed so much.

It has been months since Ryan made that choice, and he is now nearly back in full-swing. Just concluding his first training camp.

“It was odd, for the first time in my life, I was the boss. I was in charge. I like that”. The benefactor of Ryan’s camp was rising Algerian star Djamel Dahou, the current WBC Youth Welterweight Champion.

Djamel flew over from Algeria for a three week training camp with Barrett in preparation for the biggest fight of his career to date. “It was an absolute honour to train Djamel. I couldn’t be happier with the start I’ve had in my coaching career”.

Thinking back, Ryan feels indebted to those at King’s College Hospital for their initial support, and the continued support from his family and friends.

“They’ve given me a new lease of life”.

With the memories of a vibrant professional career to call upon at a moment’s notice, Ryan is happy to part with his fighting days. A new chapter in his Boxing career is underway now, and the sky is the limit.

Based on information supplied by Sean Ellis.