Former Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith said he has a new outlook on life after surviving cancer – which has led to him volunteering at a foodbank.
Smith, who spent three decades in sports journalism, has adopted a ‘giving back’ mentality on life following his battle with invasive bladder cancer last year.
His near-death experience has seen him undergo several positive changes in his life, including his work at a West London foodbank and becoming the director of broadcasting of the new promotional company GBM Sports.
Smith, 53, said: “I didn’t really know anything about foodbanks two or three years ago and suddenly, having been ill and learning how to walk again, I wanted to give back more.”
He found out about the foodbank via Acton Homeless Association and goes every Friday to help the homeless in his local area.
He added: “I was given days to live at some point, and I’m very lucky that I’m still here for my three children.”
His career as one of Sky’s boxing pundits saw him commentate on historic fights such as Ricky Hatton vs Kosta Tyszu and Anthony Joshua stopping Vladimir Klitschko at Wembley.
Smith, who stepped away from sports commentating in November, said he experienced the inevitable stress which comes with covering such momentous occasions.
He said: “I’m a very different version of myself, I’m a lot calmer and happier now.
“I wasn’t sad before, but boxing is a savage world and I was engrossed in it 24/7.”
Smith also took on the role of director of boxing talent at Summit Sports, helping to mentor emerging fighters such as the unbeaten Welshman Carl Davis.
He said: “I’ve gone from all in to peace and quiet.
“I’ll never leave the boxing world, which I love, but I’ve got a different angle on it now.”
