Cyrus's Fight
This project follows a boxer, Cyrus, in the hours leading up to his title bout. It is his third fight, and the final one of the night. The stakes: honour, glory, and a champion’s belt.
But this photo essay is not about the fight. It takes the viewer backstage behind the flashing lights and the baying crowd of burley Essex men and their blonde, stilettoed wives and girlfriends. It follows only Cyrus in the intimate moments before the fight in the dingy, cold blue changing room and the minutes between bouts before concluding backstage once again. It challenges the superficial perception of boxing as an event of speed, power, aggression, and violence, often over almost as quickly as it has begun. It explores the relationship between boxer and trainer; the intimacy between them which is almost parental in nature, and offers a deeper insight into the nature of masculinity which is so often perceived as one-dimensional.
"Cyrus - you're up."
"I always feel guilty after a fight. I didn't mean to break the cunt's face. I don't want to hurt anyone."
Colin reflects after his win by KO in the 52nd second.
"Don't fuck this up, Cy. You've worked too hard to fuck this up."
