A 28‑year‑old dad from Maesteg has spoken about how taking part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing event helped him regain confidence and find a sense of community after a difficult period in his life.
Anthony Trubridge, an HGV driver, took part in the charity boxing event at the Vale Sport Arena in Cardiff to raise money for Movember, which supports men’s mental health as well as prostate and testicular cancer.
Finding a turning point
Anthony says his mental health had declined following the end of his marriage, leaving him feeling isolated and overwhelmed. A panic attack while driving earlier this year became the moment he knew something had to change.
Anthony Trubridge said:
“At the start of this year, my mental health took a bad turn. I felt like I had pretty much hit rock bottom. I was a complete shell of myself. But after the panic attack, something suddenly clicked. I had a burning desire to take action and become someone with a zest for living life to the fullest — and I’ve honestly not looked back since.”
He began searching for ways to improve his wellbeing and came across Ultra White Collar Boxing online.
Anthony added:
“As soon as I saw Ultra on Facebook, and started reading the great testimonials on their website, I knew it was going to be the perfect route for me. I felt boxing could help me channel my energy, teach me how to improve my health, and ultimately stay accountable to myself. Now, I can safely say that I was absolutely right.”
Building confidence through training
Anthony joined the eight‑week training programme, which brings together first‑time boxers preparing for a charity bout. He trained at Gracie Barra Cardiff under coach Rik Swaine, supported by his personal trainer Briannon.
Anthony said:
“After months of isolation, I finally felt like I had met a group of people I could open up to. I didn’t realise how physically challenging the training was going to be, but the relationships I started forming and the confidence I started to gain made me want to keep going back.”
He said the structure of the programme helped him focus on his wellbeing.
He continued:
“The sessions were tough, but designed to be inclusive so no one gets left behind. The whole process encourages you to think about your own well‑being and learn self‑discipline. I changed my diet and stuck to it, because I wanted to feel good and perform at my best.”
Raising money — and spirits
Anthony chose to raise funds for Movember because of its focus on men’s mental health.
Anthony said:
“They do so much for men’s mental health, and I know first‑hand how difficult it can be to speak up as a man. But when you do and other people say they have felt the same way, it makes you feel less alone.”
He said the sense of community he found through Ultra made a significant difference.
He added:
“After the separation I felt I was on my own. But Ultra gave me a community. It really was a life‑changing experience for me.”
Anthony raised more than £300 — well above the £50 minimum.
Fight night and “The Phoenix”
On the night, Anthony faced his training partner Tyler in a close contest he lost on points, but says the experience meant far more than the result.
Anthony said:
“My mum gave me the idea of The Phoenix, as I always come back stronger like a phoenix rising from the ashes. She was really chuffed that I chose it, and had some custom shorts created to match my vest.”
He walked out to Rising from the Ashes by The Reveal Inc.
He said:
“The lyrics summed up my life — what I was going through, how I was feeling, and then the journey to getting back to where I am now.”
“You will never regret the person you become”
Anthony says he would encourage anyone considering the programme to take the step.
Anthony said:
“For anyone considering signing up, I understand how daunting it can be — but trust me when I say, it is 100% worth it. Training is tough, but you will never regret the person you become and the friends you make along the way. It is such a fantastic process to go through — I loved it so much I am doing it all over again.”
Ultra Events, the company behind Ultra White Collar Boxing, has raised more than £41 million for charity, including over £500,000 in Cardiff alone.
The next Cardiff event takes place on Saturday 28 March 2026, with training beginning on Monday 2 February.
