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Boxer's Secret Battle: Hypochondria Behind the 'Pretty Boy' Persona
31 Jan
Summary
- Josh Kelly battled chronic hypochondria before his 2021 title fight.
- Illness anxiety disorder caused excessive fear of undiagnosed medical conditions.
- He took multiple Lemsips daily due to pressure to perform perfectly.
Josh Kelly, once renowned for his confident ring presence as 'Pretty Boy,' has disclosed a significant personal struggle with illness anxiety disorder. This condition, characterized by an overwhelming and disabling fear of serious undiagnosed illness, plagued him even as he approached a major career milestone.
Specifically, Kelly was preparing to challenge for the European welterweight title in 2021. Despite an undefeated professional record of 10 fights, including six wins by stoppage, his internal battle was intense. He admitted to taking several Lemsips daily during fight week, not due to sickness, but out of a deep-seated anxiety about potentially falling ill and compromising his performance.
