#354. Swansea Street Fighter to Bare-Knuckle Champ, 5 Years Prison & Suicide Survivor: Dan Lerwell

This episode features Dan, a bare-knuckle boxer from Wales, who discusses the intricacies of his life and career. Growing up in a fighting family, Dan has always dealt with physical challenges and emotional struggles, particularly as the father of a son with autism. He explains that the primary motivation behind his pursuits in the ring is to raise awareness for autism, a cause he holds dear due to the birth of his son Theo. Dan recounts the tough experiences of dealing with the stigma of autism in the UK and how this drives him to fight regularly.

Dan reflects on his upbringing in a close-knit community in Swansea and the intense backyard fights he witnessed from a young age. As he rose through the ranks in the fighting world, he learned to adapt to the different fighting environments, such as the transition from traditional boxing rings to the more constricted Trigon used in bare-knuckle boxing. He also candidly shares his past struggles with mental health, including a suicide attempt, emphasizing the importance of speaking out and seeking help.

Throughout the episode, Dan underlines his passion for fighting and the connections he has made with fellow fighters, who have become friends rather than just competitors. He highlights the power of the British crowd during fights, and while he has enjoyed fighting in America, he prefers the atmosphere at home. As he prepares for an upcoming world title fight, Dan stays focused on his goals while advocating for autism awareness, underscoring that it's not about money or titles for him but about making a difference in the world.