By Oliver Fennell
While riding my motorbike, I found myself overtaking a lorry and noticed the road curving ahead. As my eyes caught sight of a barrier, a chilling thought crossed my mind – a collision with it would be fatal. Glancing down at the speedometer, I observed it displaying a daunting 80mph. In that moment, I made a swift decision and simply accelerated by hitting the throttle.
I collided with the side of the barrier, and suddenly darkness enveloped me. In the blink of an eye, a man appeared, cradling my head and assuring me, “You’re going to be alright, you’re going to be alright.” In that moment, I couldn’t help but ponder: “Just how unfortunate am I? Even divine intervention seems to have abandoned me.”
Afterwards, I found myself being swiftly transported in an ambulance, ultimately ending up in the confines of a hospital. The moments in between are nothing but a series of hazy blackouts. Within the initial three days, I underwent a staggering five or six surgical procedures, and for a duration of four to five weeks, I remained in a state of heightened dependency. When consciousness finally returned to me, the doctor revealed a chilling revelation, stating, “We were on the verge of amputating your arm, as it had deteriorated to such a severe extent. However, someone recognized you and insisted that you would require it.”
Although the hospital worker accurately identified Crawford Ashley as the boxer, he no longer required his limb for competitive purposes. The crash, which was intentionally devised to cause harm, occurred solely because Ashley had retired from boxing. Similar to numerous other boxers, the Leeds light-heavyweight was facing difficulties in discovering meaning in his life beyond the confines of the ring.
He expresses, “A sense of not fitting in overwhelmed me, and it seemed like there were no pleasant individuals anywhere I turned. Exhaustion consumed me. All I craved was to drift off into slumber, to escape from it all.”
He is uncertain about the exact timing of the crash, stating, “Me and time aren’t really acquainted,” but it occurred a few years after his career concluded in 2001. To fill the void initially, he embarked on a journey, stating, “I went traveling.” Whenever people asked him what he did, he encountered a dilemma. “Everywhere I went, people would inquire, ‘What do you do?'” When he responded with, “I do nothing,” they struggled to categorize him socially or engage in a conversation. In today’s society, there is immense pressure to constantly be productive and achieve. Must one do something to become someone?
Well, Ashley certainly did something, and was someone – and still is. Many ex-boxers may be haunted by the past tense of their status, but not even time can erase names from record books. What Ashley did defines what he is: a champion.
He is known for keeping his promises. Reflecting on his decision to become a professional boxer, Ashley affirms, “I made a personal commitment to attain only a Lonsdale belt in boxing and, once I retire, to never make a comeback.”
Not only did he accomplish both, but he went above and beyond. Alongside his six British title victories, Ashley also held the Commonwealth title, triumphed in Europe twice, and made two valiant attempts to become the world champion. His only defeats came from two of the most exceptional fighters of their time, namely Michael Nunn and Virgil Hill.
When Ashley faced the challenge of accepting retirement, the temptation to break the “no comeback” vow must have been strong. However, she firmly states, “No, I cannot go back on my word. That is something I am unable to do.”
“After my defeat to Sebastiaan Rothmann in 2001, the words unexpectedly slipped out of my mouth, and that’s when I realized I was retiring. Once it was said, there was no turning back,” he reflects on the announcement.
“After the altercation, something felt off. Subsequently, a pounding headache plagued me. Bob Paget, my trainer, assured me, ‘You were leading on all three scorecards, we can arrange a rematch.’ Firmly, I replied, ‘No, I’m done, my friend.'”
“I had the opportunity to get up, and I did so five times while facing Michael Nunn.”
At the age of 37, his failure to oppose Rothmann was the clear indication that he had reached the end.
The most rewarding choice I’ve ever made, yet the most challenging to remain committed to.
However, he persisted with his decision, only to have it become irrelevant due to the high-speed collision with a barrier.
“He claims that society overlooks mental anguish, focusing only on physical injuries,” he remarks, acknowledging that I cannot peer into his thoughts. With a gesture, he rolls up his sleeve and pant leg to reveal the visible aftermath of his suicide attempt. The surface tells a tale of extensive scarring, deformed bones, and an absent finger.
He recounts, “After enduring a shattering blow to my right arm, I underwent a grueling four-year journey to regain my walking ability. Surprisingly, I now view this experience as remarkable. If given the chance to relive my life, the accident would undoubtedly remain a pivotal part of it. Through this ordeal, I discovered profound truths. It unveiled the true nature of my friendships, revealing how some individuals vanish when support is needed. Those who claim to be there in times of trouble often prove unreliable. However, this realization fueled my determination. I made a resolute decision to improve my situation, telling myself, ‘I must strive for recovery.'”
In order to achieve this, he embarked on another journey. “I decided to travel once more, exploring Cambodia and Laos. The people there were incredibly hospitable and the surroundings were absolutely stunning. Following that, I settled in Thailand for a couple of years. Coincidentally, it was around the time when the Mayan calendar predicted the end of the world in 2012. Personally, I held a strong belief in that prophecy. I reasoned that if a solar flare were to strike and disrupt everything, I would much rather be on a serene beach when it happened.”
In Pattaya, I managed to survive on a mere £6 per day. My monthly room rental cost me £75, and I dedicated myself to the gym five days a week. Despite my modest lifestyle, I found true happiness. Thailand, often referred to as the Land of Smiles, played a significant role in restoring my lost smile.
Jamaica, a favored travel destination, has also been kind to him. He proudly shares, “My father hails from Jamaica. I have relatives and extensive land spanning over 80 acres, located in the mountains, approximately seven miles away from Mandeville. It’s a pristine wilderness.”
I have a desire to construct an eco lodge in that location, which would be a perfect haven for ex-boxers. By offering them the opportunity to work a few hours daily, I could provide them with a shelter.
In May, Ashley will celebrate her 60th birthday by embarking on an extended stay in Jamaica. It’s an incredible destination to commemorate such a significant milestone, especially for someone who once identified as a “kid with a death wish.”
“My childhood was amazing because I got to do whatever I wanted,” he reflects. “Even though my dad was always busy with work and I hardly saw him, I was fortunate enough to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my stomach.”
However, as a child, I had a strong desire for danger. We would engage in reckless games like chicken, or other kids would challenge me to jump off a roof onto a mattress, to which I would readily agree without hesitation. Unfortunately, every time we went on vacation, it seemed like I would inevitably end up in the hospital.
The desire for thrill drove the young boy, Gary Crawford, to take up boxing at the age of seven, inspired by his older brother Glen who was 11 at the time. However, not everything turned out as great as expected for the young lad, leading him to adopt a new name different from his birth name. Hence, the transformation from Gary Crawford to Crawford Ashley took place.
“I have a strong dislike for the name Gary,” he expresses. “It was given to me by my mother, whom I held no fondness for.”
At the age of four, I distinctly remember her stating openly that she did not desire my presence. Can you imagine the impact it had on me?
Upon transitioning into a professional career, I was given the opportunity to adopt an alternative identity. Being fond of the name Ashley, I decided to embark on my professional journey as Crawford Ashley.
After experiencing disappointment in the amateur ranks and encountering legal trouble, he decided to turn professional in May 1987.
“I wasn’t particularly concerned [about becoming a professional], but there was this guy I defeated who made it to the Commonwealth Games. Curious, I inquired why, and they explained that he had more experience. I couldn’t help but retort, ‘More experience in what, getting knocked out?'”
Ashley’s encounter with another form of unpaid fighting prompted her to take the official form more seriously.
He recounts, “I was assaulted by a bouncer who ended up worse off. It happened when I was outside the pub, caught off guard by the bouncer’s attack from behind. Unfortunately, he fabricated the story, and the witnesses only witnessed me retaliating. This incident threatened me with a potential five-year imprisonment. [My solicitor] advised me to plead guilty, but I refused. Consequently, the case proceeded to trial, resulting in a guilty verdict. However, the punishment was merely a £100 fine and £25 in compensation. So, I chose to confine myself to a monotonous routine of alternating between the gym and home, as if I were in prison.”
And so, the professional journey began, marking the start of an eventful 14 years. Throughout this period, the journey witnessed the participation of numerous prominent figures and memorable moments, regardless of the outcome. Along the way, there were encounters with a young Johnny Nelson, resulting in a split decision (losing by points in 8 rounds), and a clash with Carl Thompson, where victory was achieved through a sixth-round stoppage. However, an unfortunate controversy arose during a European title challenge in Germany against the highly popular Graciano Rocchigiani in February 1991. Although the decision was disputed, the fighter remained undeterred, firmly believing in his victory. Despite facing derogatory remarks and discrimination from the German spectators, they surprisingly embraced him afterwards. With the intention of seeking a rematch, he asked Rocchigiani in English, only to receive a response claiming a lack of proficiency in the language.
The second British reign commenced after a five-month interval. His stock rose significantly due to two successful defenses, one of which involved a swift defeat of Jimmy Peters in just 55 seconds. Despite facing controversy in a European title match against Yawe Davis on foreign ground, his reputation remained unharmed. The drawn result of Ashley’s bout against an Italian in Italy did not bother him at all. He expressed indifference, stating, “Why would I be bothered? I am confident that I emerged victorious. The fight took place in a casino with a meager crowd of 40-50 people, lacking any atmosphere. It was a terrible experience.”
After a rematch was scheduled, negotiations failed to progress. However, frustration quickly turned into joy when the contractual arrangements paved the way for an opportunity to compete on a grand scale.
Ashley reports, “Barney Eastwood, the promoter, emerged victorious in the purse bids. He initially offered me a payment of only $10,000, but assured me that the fight would take place in Leeds. I agreed to this arrangement. However, he later informed me that he was unable to secure a TV date and had returned the offer to the Italians. Even then, he insisted on sticking to the initial payment of $10,000. I firmly declined and made it clear that if I were to box again, it would not be under his management.”
Frank Warren called me and said, “I heard you left Eastwood. Can you compete in the super-middleweight division? We have arranged a title fight against Michael Nunn in 21 days.” Without hesitation, I replied, “Absolutely, no problem.”
“I had just completed an intense training session without having eaten. Despite the lack of food, I remained undisturbed, as my excitement propelled me forward. Thoughts like ‘How skilled is my opponent?’ and ‘How skilled am I?’ filled my mind, fueling my anticipation to discover the answers. I simply felt prepared and eager to engage in combat.”
Maybe too ready – Ashley weighed in at just 163lbs for the April 23, 1993, shot at Nunn’s WBA 168lbs belt. Unsurprisingly, body shots put an end to Ashley’s brave challenge inside the Pyramid in Memphis, with five knockdowns all from hooks to the flanks of a 6ft 3ins frame that was already lean even up at light-heavy.
Although the experience was painful, Ashley found great enjoyment in it. “Wow, it was amazing, truly amazing,” he exclaims. “He was the most skilled opponent I’ve ever faced. He had this incredible precision, making me miss by mere millimeters before landing three or four punches. He had a way of trapping me against the ropes, landing a blow, and then disappearing right before my eyes. However, I would have loved to have a rematch with him at a mutually agreed weight category – him at his optimal weight and me at mine.”
Although he didn’t achieve his wish, he was granted another opportunity at the WBA two years later, this time in the light-heavyweight division where he was more comfortable. However, according to Ashley, if Nunn had drained his strength with his relentless body blows, it was Virgil Hill – or at least the organizers of the event – who drained his excitement before the fight even began in Primm, Nevada.
With a heavy sigh, he recalls the frustrating moment: “I remember when the guy walked into my dressing room and informed me that I would be fighting in just 20 minutes. I hurriedly prepared myself, only to be told later that I would be up next when he knocked on the door. But when he eventually did, he informed me that I would be fighting after the upcoming match, reassuring me that it would be a swift one. Sadly, it ended up going the full distance, dragging on for an hour and a half. I found myself still waiting impatiently. By the time I finally stepped into the ring, I had lost all motivation and couldn’t bring myself to care anymore.”
Hill would secure a decisive victory with unanimous consent, leaving Ashley without any chances of competing for another “world” title. Despite this outcome, Hill had already established himself as a two-time British champion, following a remarkable points victory against Nicky Piper in an exciting bout five months prior to his challenge against Hill. Furthermore, in March 1997, after two previous unsuccessful attempts, Ashley would finally claim the European title.
Ashley recounts how his dream of delivering a powerful right uppercut in the third round to knock out Roberto Dominguez became a reality. However, winning the championship title, which he had initially contended for six years ago, didn’t hold much significance for him. It simply felt like a long overdue victory that was rightfully his.
However, all hopes of regaining the ability to compete for global recognition were abruptly crushed when Norway’s Ole Klemetsen defeated him in a two-round stoppage in October 1997. “I wasn’t mentally focused,” he explains. “My ex-wife contacted me and informed me that one of our children was on the streets because of my actions. It was the wrong mindset to enter a fight with.”
Ashley’s tumultuous career neared its end with a final thrilling showdown against Clinton Woods, a blood-soaked Yorkshire derby that would mark the last significant fight. Despite not being married at the moment, he envisioned a second wife, another European reign, securing the Commonwealth championship, and defending the Lonsdale Belt numerous times.
Over two decades later, Ashley can confidently declare that his record (33-10-1, with 28 victories by knockout) stands as undeniable proof of the excitement he brought to the sport. Moreover, with a wealth of life experiences under his belt, he takes pride in the fact that one of his children has found solace in the boxing ring instead of enduring life on the streets.
Theodore Crawford, the second child among Ashley’s three offspring, has set his sights on becoming a professional boxer, much to his father’s optimistic anticipation of rapid success in his chosen path.
“I believe that despite only having five amateur fights – with four wins – he possesses the potential to become a world champion within the next five years,” remarks the individual regarding the 21-year-old athlete who currently trains at the Bethlehem Boxing Club in Leeds, where Ashley now serves as a coach. “I strongly advocate for his transition to the professional circuit immediately. The crucial factor lies in identifying the ideal manager and promoter to guide his career. Ideally, I envision him competing for a Central Area title during his debut.”
After completing his education journey through school, college, and university, he successfully earned a degree and is currently employed at a reputable company. Throughout his life, he has never had any encounters with law enforcement or engaged in any activities associated with street credibility or misconduct. However, he doesn’t feel the need to possess such attributes. Instead, he possesses a unique quality that is rare among many individuals – an unwavering determination to discover his true potential and measure his own excellence.
Much like his dad, then.
