EX-BOXER Anthony Ogogo made his first AEW appearance last night after quitting boxing for wrestling.
The Brit’s boxing career was cruelly cut short in 2016 but his transition has started well as he starred in the commentary booth alongside WWE icon Tazz.
Ogogo took to Twitter to share his delight and posted a photo of him at work at the AEW Dark event.
Dressed in a sharp shirt, tie and waistcoat combo, the Olympic Bronze medalist at London 2012 was watching on next to Tazz and Excalibur.
And he captioned the post: “It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside the incomparable @ShutUpExcalibur and the human suplex machine @OfficialTAZ on #AEWDark.
“Two titans of pro wrestling commentary. Best of all it was great to witness the unbelievable action of @AEW first hand.”
Matty P replied: “Can’t wait for you to get into the ring you’re really looking like a force to be reckoned with … not that you weren’t already.”
Big G wrote: “You’ve come along way from the Subway ads mate, happy for you. Representing Britain.”
And Paulio said: “Solid first appearance. Hoping to see you in the ring before too long.”
Ogogo, 31, was one of the stars of the London Olympics.
It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside the incomparable @ShutUpExcalibur and the human suplex machine @OfficialTAZ on #AEWDark. Two titans of pro wrestling commentary. Best of all it was great to witness the unbelievable action of @AEW first hand
. pic.twitter.com/Q9t2fVSCCt
— Anthony Ogogo (@AnthonyOgogo) October 28, 2020
But his pro career was cruelly cut short by a single punch in 2016.
Anthony Joshua and Luke Campbell won gold in London — but legend Oscar De La Hoya went after Lowestoft lad Ogogo and got him to turn pro with Golden Boy following his middleweight bronze joy.
De La Hoya was convinced Ogogo — with his looks, talent and charisma — was destined to win a world title and earn the fortune that would go with being a major player in a glamour division.
Ogogo, having won all 11 professional fights, was well on his way to the top until he came up against fellow Brit Craig Cunningham in Birmingham four years ago.
It was a huge shock when he was stopped in the eighth round.
Cunningham — with one blow — shattered his eye socket which resulted in him suffering severe double vision.
Standing around looking hard is alright, but I long for the day I step into an @AEW ring and knock people out
— Anthony Ogogo (@AnthonyOgogo) October 22, 2020
Though he did not realise it as he walked back to his dressing room, Ogogo’s career was over at 26 — and his hell about to begin.
In the next 2½ years, Ogogo had no less than NINE eye operations in an attempt to restore his sight to the British Boxing Board of Control’s high safety standards.
Unfortunately, all the pain and financial sacrifice was in vain – but fortunately he appears to have a successful wrestling career ahead of him.
Last year Ogogo had to face the reality that his dream of fame and fortune had turned into a nightmare.
And reluctantly, he was forced to announce his retirement from boxing.
Can’t wait for you to get into the ring you’re really looking like a force to be reckoned with … not that you weren’t already
— Matty P (@MattPalmerV1) October 28, 2020
Solid first appearance. Hoping to see you in the ring before too long.
— Paulio (@PaulioB) October 28, 2020
You’ve come along way from the Subway ads mate
happy for you. Representing Britain
— Big G
(@RFCGW) October 28, 2020
Couldnt help but melt while @AnthonyOgogo was talking on #AEWDark … that accent
all honesty though he was really good on commentary
— James J. Artelle (@JoshArtelle) October 28, 2020
