Charles Conwell riddled with guilt, almost quit boxing after knocking Patrick Day into coma
Boxer Patrick Day is still in a coma following a knockout on Saturday night, and Charles Conwell, the man who delivered that knockout, is riddled with guilt.
Conwell was Day’s opponent, and while he expressed concern for Day in an interview right after Day was taken out of the ring on a stretcher, he expanded on his feelings in an emotional letter he wrote to Day and posted on social media.
#champpatrickday pic.twitter.com/S5MO43552C
— Charles Conwell (@CharlesConwell) October 15, 2019
“This is my last time speaking on the situation because of this being a sensitive topic not only for his family and friends but for myself and the sport of boxing.
“Dear Patrick Day,
“I never meant for this to happen to you. All I ever wanted to do was win. If I could take it all back I would no one deserves for this to happen to them. I replay the fight over and over in my head thinking what if this never happened and why did it happen to you. I can’t stop thinking about it myself I prayed for you so many times and shedded so many tears because I couldn’t even imagine how my family and friends would feel. I see you everywhere I go and all I hear is wonderful things about you. I thought about quitting boxing but I know that’s not what you would want I know that you were a fighter at heart so I decided not to but to fight and win a world title because that’s what you wanted and that’s what I want so I’ll use you as motivation every day and make sure I always leave it all in the ring every time. #ChampPatrickDay With Compassion, Charles Conwell”
Conwell is obviously devastated that Day is in a coma due to injuries he sustained during their fight, but vowed to fight on. Day’s trainer Joseph Higgins believes that Patrick would want Conwell to fight on instead of quitting the sport. Higgins opened up a Twitter account on Monday specifically to tweet at Conwell, and to offer him some comfort.
Hello Charles, I am Patrick Day’s trainer Joe Higgins. I just wanted you to know that we do understand what you must be going thru as well. As devastated as we are we realize you are equally devastated. We know if it was the other way around we would be just as distraught.
— joseph higgins (@josephh61578929) October 15, 2019
Thank you for your kind words. Patrick was born across the street from me so our relationship is special. He would have wanted you to continue. I’m am rooting for you to reach your dream, the same one he had. God Bless your Team and we will keep you in our prayers as well.
— joseph higgins (@josephh61578929) October 15, 2019
I too am distraught because I feel responsible but do realize there is no fault. Stay strong and please don’t think we blame you.
— joseph higgins (@josephh61578929) October 15, 2019
Best wishes going forward and please continue to pray for Patrick. You guys are warriors, but humble and that’s what makes you special.
— joseph higgins (@josephh61578929) October 15, 2019
Higgins’ response to Conwell’s poignant letter only drives home the point that boxing is a dangerous sport, and what happened to Day could happen to Conwell or to any boxer. Because of that reality there is forgiveness within the community, even when guilt is inevitable.
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