![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1_JS369788323.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Tartan Tornado, whose world-conquering career came to an abrupt halt in July on medical advice, told how he’d turn to drink to cope.<\/p>\n
Josh Taylor fighting in 2024 before his career-ending eye injury(Image: PA Archive\/PA Images)<\/p>\n
Boxing<\/a> legend Josh Taylor has opened up about how his forced retirement from the sport last year left him in a \u201cdark place\u201d. Josh<\/a>, 35, whose world-conquering career came to an abrupt halt in July over a recurring eye injury, spoke movingly about feeling like his \u201clife\u2019s purpose was over\u201d and how he turned to drink as a crutch.<\/p>\n It comes weeks after the former prizefighter, from Prestonpans, was allegedly involved<\/a> in a pub brawl in East Lothian on Hogmanay. Josh said: \u201cI was in a bad place mentally<\/a> when I first retired. I don\u2019t like using the word depression, but I was in a really bad, dark place.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was like falling off the edge of a cliff. All of a sudden, just being on my own with nothing to do, everyone else at work, and I felt like my life\u2019s purpose was over and done with.<\/p>\n Josh Taylor posing with his belts in 2022 after becoming undisputed world super lightweight champion(Image: Top Rank via Getty Images)<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a tough time<\/a> mentally trying to adjust\u2026 when you\u2019re on your own, it\u2019s very hard to deal with. And a lot of the time for me, for a couple of months beforehand, I was trying to deal with it by having a drink and going out, having a good time.<\/p>\n \u201cBut then as the saying goes, what goes up must come down. Once you sober up and after you\u2019ve had the laugh, you\u2019re left feeling the same, maybe even worse.\u201d<\/p>\n He said it was a struggle opening up to people close to him about his mental health.<\/a> Josh<\/a> added: \u201cI just held it in. I just felt like I was maybe moaning to people or getting on at people.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if it\u2019s just a manly thing or a sort of bravado sort of thing with guys not feeling how to share their problems. They maybe wait until they\u2019ve had a drink or two and then it all comes out.\u201d<\/p>\n Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here<\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"josh](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1_Josh-Taylor-v-Jack-Catterall-Press-Conference.jpg\")
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