From Survival To Self-Belief: Matthew Ellerbeck’s Journey Through Boxing
Matthew Ellerbeck’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in East London, his early life was defined by a battle most people can’t imagine.
At just six years old, Matthew was placed into an induced coma after becoming severely ill. When he woke up, recovery wasn’t just physical. He had to relearn how to do things many take for granted. A brain injury left him dealing with learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, and weakness on his left side. As he got older, those challenges didn’t simply disappear.
“I was fed up of staying indoors doing nothing,” Matthew says, reflecting on years spent isolated, lacking confidence, and struggling to find direction.
Social situations felt overwhelming, and like many, he leaned heavily on social media as a coping mechanism. It offered connection without pressure, but it wasn’t enough to fill the gap left by inactivity and self-doubt.
How Boxing Became A Tool For Recovery And Confidence
Everything began to change when Matthew chose boxing.
“I chose boxing as a hobby as I was so fed up of staying indoors doing nothing,” he explains. “I know that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
What started as a way to stay occupied quickly became something much deeper. Boxing gave him structure, routine, and a reason to show up every day. Training wasn’t about proving anything to others, but about proving something to himself.
SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
“Confidence is key,” Matthew says. “Training and boxing… it’s really getting me more confident.”
That confidence began to spill into other areas of his life. He quit smoking. Cut out fizzy drinks and junk food. Built daily workout routines and committed fully to training. Each decision reinforced the belief that progress was possible, even if it came slowly.
Now in his late 30s, Matthew is open about the fact that recovery is still ongoing. There’s no illusion of being “finished” with his challenges. But there is momentum, purpose, and belief.
“I still use my boxing and social media all together with my workouts and routines,” he says. “And things are starting to look up.”
That mindset is what led Matthew to join the Sidekick Boxing affiliate programme. Not as someone looking for shortcuts, but as someone willing to put in the work, embrace discipline, and continue building confidence through training.
His advice is simple, but earned through lived experience.
“If you can believe it,” Matthew says, “then you can certainly achieve it no matter what.”
Matthew Ellerbeck’s journey isn’t about perfection or overnight change. It’s about choosing movement over stagnation, belief over doubt, and showing up day after day — even when the fight is internal.
Recent posts
