A Maesteg father says charity boxing transformed his life after anxiety-led panic attack
A BRIDGEND father has turned to the boxing ring to confront his mental health struggles, after crippling anxiety led to a panic attack while driving earlier this year.
Anthony Trubridge, 28, from Maesteg, took part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event at the Vale Sport Arena in Cardiff, using the challenge to raise money for Movember while rebuilding his confidence and wellbeing.
Anthony, who works as an HGV driver, said his mental health deteriorated following the breakdown of his marriage, leaving him struggling with stress, isolation and anxiety.
“At the start of this year, my mental health took a bad turn — I felt like I had hit rock bottom,” he said. “I was a shell of myself. But after the panic attack, something clicked. I knew I had to take action.”
Determined to make lasting change — and to be a positive role model for his young daughter — Anthony began looking for ways to regain control of his life. It was then he discovered Ultra White Collar Boxing, a programme that gives complete beginners eight weeks of professional boxing training before stepping into the ring.
“As soon as I saw Ultra on Facebook and read the testimonials, I knew it was the right path for me,” he said. “Boxing helped me channel my energy, improve my health and stay accountable. I can honestly say it changed everything.”
Anthony trained at Gracie Barra Cardiff under respected coach Rik Swaine and his team, alongside support from his personal trainer Briannon, whom he credits with helping drive his physical and mental transformation.
He said the sense of community was as important as the training itself.
“After months of isolation, I finally met people I could open up to,” he said. “The training was tough — far tougher than I expected — but the confidence I gained and the relationships I built made me want to keep going back.”
On fight night, Anthony faced his training partner Tyler in a closely contested bout, which he narrowly lost on points. He was cheered on by his parents Mandy and Simon, along with a group of friends and family.
Each participant was asked to choose a nickname for the event. Anthony fought under the name ‘The Phoenix’, chosen by his mother to symbolise rising again after adversity.
“She said I always come back stronger,” he said. “She even had custom shorts made to match my vest. I walked out to Rising from the Ashes — the lyrics summed up my life and the journey I’d been on.”
Anthony raised more than £300 for Movember, surpassing the £50 minimum fundraising target. The charity supports men’s mental health, suicide prevention and cancer awareness.
“Men often struggle to speak up,” he said. “I know how hard it can be. But when you do and others say they’ve felt the same way, you realise you’re not alone.
“After my separation, I felt completely on my own. Ultra gave me a community. It was genuinely life-changing.”
Ultra Events, which organises UWCB, has raised more than £41 million for charity nationwide, with over £500,000 raised in Cardiff alone.
Encouraged by his experience, Anthony has already signed up to do it all again.
“For anyone thinking about it, I know it’s daunting,” he said. “But it’s 100% worth it. You’ll never regret the person you become or the friends you make along the way.”
The next Ultra White Collar Boxing Cardiff event takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with training beginning on February 2.
