AFH & Mental Health in Boxing
Athletes for Hope is proud to collaborate with 555 Media Agency, CMH Boxing, and the World Boxing Council (WBC) to present the Mental Health and Boxing Resource Hub.
This initiative was born out of a powerful charity boxing event on May 22, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA, uniting the worlds of sport, entertainment and advocacy in support of mental health awareness.
Our ongoing mission is to equip professional fighters with essential tools and resources to support their mental wellness journey, both inside and outside the ring. Through this initiative, every $4,500 raised will provide six months of free therapy for a professional boxer—helping to break the stigma and build a stronger, healthier boxing community. To support AFH’s mental health work, please consider making a donation today.
Welcome to the Mental Health & Boxing Resource Hub
Why Mental Health Matters in Boxing
Professional athletes face major mental health challenges, yet research remains limited, and access to structured support remains fragmented. 35% of elite athletes experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, and 22% struggle with eating disorders or substance abuse.
For fighters, key risk factors include:
Retirement & Transition: Between 26% and 39% of retired athletes experience mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.
Competitive Pressure: Elite athletes face a higher risk of depression, particularly during transitions such as injury or retirement.
Financial & Health Insurance Gaps: Boxers operate as independent contractors and may lack access to comprehensive medical coverage and financial stability, making mental health care more difficult to prioritize.
Coping Barriers: Stigma and limited mental health support remain major obstacles for pro athletes, resilience and toughness is often emphasized over emotional vulnerability.
CTE: Athletes in high-contact sports, including boxing, are at an increased risk for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with depression, aggression, and cognitive decline.
Combat Sports: Studies indicate that mental health concerns such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression are prevalent among fighters, though reported rates of over 30% of combat sports athletes experience these symptoms.
Substance Use: Alcohol misuse is a documented concern among athletes, particularly in sports with high physical demands and unpredictable schedules.
Reach Out to Us
Need additional resources or want to get involved? Submit your information and we will be in touch soon.
Resources for Fighters
WBC Resources
- BoxMed App: Health and wellness tracking app specific to boxers’ needs to ensure overall mental and physical wellness
- WBC Cares: The charitable arm of the WBC and a fighters’ opportunity to give back to communities. Who better than a boxer to teach others about resiliency and hope?
Championing Mental Health Boxing Tips
Learn tips and tools to help you stay mentally strong.
Athlete Mental Health Resource Guide
AFH created the Athlete Mental Health Resource Guide to help athletes of all levels support their teammates and pay attention to when others may be struggling.
Therapy 101 Resource Guide
AFH created the Therapy 101 Resource Guide in collaboration with ES Therapy to highlight the accessibility & availability of current mental health resources to athletes of all levels.
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
AFH is proud to offer free suicide prevention training through the QPR Institute. If you are a current athlete, retired athlete or coach, please sign up here.
