What does it take to step into a bare-knuckle boxing ring just days after losing your father?This week on The Talking Tradesman Podcast, heavyweight bare-knuckle boxer Aaron Ashton, AKA El Gringo Mandingo, returns for one of the most emotional and powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast.Find Aaron herehttps://www.instagram.com/el_gringo_mandingo_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&vrfl=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==It’s been a turbulent year for Aaron. Cancelled fights, personal setbacks, family heartbreak and the devastating loss of his father. But through it all, he’s continued to demonstrate extraordinary resilience, determination and strength.Aaron opens up about the final weeks of his father’s life, the conversations they shared, and the heartbreaking decision to honour his commitment to fight Brad Donovan at London’s O2 Arena just days after his dad passed away.From walking out to his father’s favourite T. Rex song to finding the strength to compete while carrying unimaginable grief, Aaron shares a deeply personal account of love, loss and the bond between a father and son.But this episode isn’t just about grief.We discuss how Aaron channelled his loss into something positive, helping raise approximately £12,500 towards a sensory room at the care home where his sister Sam, who has cerebral palsy, lives.We also get into the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing, including Aaron’s incredible first-round victory over third-ranked heavyweight Mark O’Neill after accepting the fight on just one week’s notice. Aaron describes the frightening scenes that followed the stoppage, his concern for his opponent, and the relief of learning that Mark had recovered.Now, with his sights firmly set on BKB heavyweight world champion Gustavo Trujillo, Aaron discusses what comes next and what it will take to reach the very top of the sport.In this episode, we discuss:* Losing his father and navigating the reality of grief.* The emotional decision to fight Brad Donovan just days after his father’s death.* The importance of saying goodbye and having those final conversations with loved ones.* How adversity, trauma and painful experiences can become a driving force for positive change.* Raising £12,500 to support his sister’s care-home community.* The reality of bare-knuckle boxing and the dangers fighters face.* Defeating Mark O’Neill on just one week’s notice.* His ambition to become BKB heavyweight world champion.This is far more than a conversation about fighting.It’s about family, love, loss, resilience and finding a reason to keep moving forwards when life throws everything it has at you.Whether you’re a boxing fan or someone who’s experienced grief, adversity or difficult times, there’s something in this conversation for everyone.The Talking Tradesman Podcast. Built by the trades, for everyone.