Grieving can manifest itself in a multitude of ways and Dean Hickman's boxing was undoubtedly the loser after the death of his mother.
He was a genuine British light-welterweight contender last year and sported an unbeaten record. He was being lauded to the same extent as Young Mutley until the unexpected death of his mother.
Maureen Hickman had a big influence on her son's career and her passing just over a year ago, allied to a first career defeat at the hands of Nigel Wright, sent him veering off the rails.
Wright extinguished his English title hopes inside six rounds and that was the cue for Hickman to enter a prolonged period of pain.
Training sessions were skipped as he contemplated life without his mother and his work as a scaffolder became all-consuming.
Four months ago, he endured his second career defeat as Barry Morrison clubbed him to he floor twice inside the first three minutes in a British title eliminator.
The mourning is over, however. The West Bromwich pugilist delivered a sickening blow that left Tom Hogan prostrate on the floor and in need of medical aid last month.
Dudley Town Hall winced and erupted almost simultaneously as the 26-year-old signalled his intent to once again compete in the higher echelons.
Hogan possessed an excellent record before meeting Hickman but his sledgehammer punching power proved to be a potent weapon once again.
W hile Hickman was relieved to see Hogan make a full recovery after prolonged medical attention in the ring, he was just as delighted to announce his return on the domestic light-welterweight scene.
"My mum, Maureen passed away a little over a year ago. That shook me up and I was out for quite a while," he said, explaining his inactivity. "I would like to win the British title for my mum and I am sure she is looking down on me and wishing me luck. She was there for every fight.
"When my career started she used to sit at the back of the hall smoking fag after fag and looking at the floor because she was so nervous.
"However, she knew I enjoyed the sport and came to every fight and really cheered me on. I still miss her but I am sure she would want me to win the British title.
"This win against Hogan was my third fight back and has given me my confidence back."
With his confidence fully restored and positive thoughts emanating from his mind, Hickman is a tricky contender for any of the top ten light-welterweights in Britain.
Mutley has won and lost the British title in Hickman's absence while stablemates Darren McDermott and Stuart Elwell have claimed Midland Area titles.
His star may have appeared to be on the wane but it could conceivably shine as brightly as anyone else within the Black Country.
His attacking style, which leaves him susceptible to punches, ensures he has built up a healthy following that craves success which, he insists, is on the horizon if he can tighten up his defence.
"Hogan was throwing far too wild and I was coming back quite ferociously," he added, referring back to his exciting two-round knock-out.
"Past experience told me that I should have covered up a bit more and moved better but I did the business and that is all that matters.
"I have learned from the Morrison defeat - despite the evidence of this fight - I have got to tuck up more, stand back and look for my shots.
"The wins will come because when I hit, I hit hard.
"If someone is open and I catch them flush, they have had it.
"Mind you, I still think Lee (Woodley, Mutley's real name) hits harder.
"I spar with him a lot and he does come sharp at you.
"I learn a lot from Lee as he is a good at angled punches and he can be awkward, so he brings me on a bit. I do get carried away and swing a bit too wild some-times but I just wanted to win and prove a point for the crowd, my family and myself.
"That was the main thing."
