AN EX con who will square up for a bare-knuckle boxing match has admitted his biggest fight is going on outside the ring.

Wes Joyce is taking steps to battle alcoholism ans says he's been sober for one week after drinking 15 pints a day since he was released from prison four years ago.

He said he has been drinking himself to death having drunk heavily since 16 and only sobering up when he was in prison.

Now, with the support of his wife Stacey and children as well as Alcoholics Anonymous, he is focusing on preparing for his boxing match at Perdiswell Leisure Centre next month.

Mr Joyce, from Warndon, said: "Last week I admitted to myself that I am an alcoholic and it is about time I do something about it before it's too late.

"I now go to an AA meeting once a week which is an amazing experience and a chance to meet some amazing people who aren't afraid to admit to the same problem I have.

"The boxing match is going to be a night to remember for the lovely people of Worcester because the Wesley Joyce haters will get the opportunity to see me get punched in the face.

"But on the flip side, the haters give me that extra push every day to wake up and try even harder to keep being the best version of myself possible."

Mr Joyce donated a kidney to Sally-Anne Grainger in 2014 to atone for his past bad behaviour but was back in prison in 2017 for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

After turning 40 in August and marrying his wife Stacey in November, he says he appreciates life and wants to live for another 40 years.

He realised drinking was having a massive effect on his mood and left him feeling suicidal.

"I want to be the best version of myself and when I have a drink that's when I make all my bad decisions.

"I'm finding being sober amazing, I feel like a totally different person, I feel healthy and I am making the right decisions.

"My wife can see a massive difference. I am a better dad, instead of taking my kids to the pub I am taking them to the park.

"The boxing match has given me something to focus on.

"I've had a lot of fights in my life but I usually ended up getting arrested afterwards.

Worcester News:

"This benefits me so much, I'm looking forward to it."

He thanked Shaun Seery and Robbo Roberts from TGAO for the opportunity to fight in the show and MJA Heating Solutions for sponsoring his kit.

TGAO BKB Boxing takes place on Saturday, March 26 and for more information visit www.facebook.com/diamondcombatpromotions.