From Rock Bottom to Bareknuckle Battles: How Matthew Morton Turned Pain into Purpose and Found Redemption in the Ring

Matthew Morton is a bareknuckle boxer fighting out of North Lakes Fight Academy, and his journey into combat sports is anything but ordinary. After overcoming years of drug addiction, Morton found purpose, structure, and a renewed sense of identity through fighting. With an aggressive style, relentless work ethic, and a mindset rooted in resilience, he’s quickly making a name for himself in the bareknuckle scene. In this Q&A, Morton opens up about his toughest battles, his training philosophy, and what keeps him pushing forward in and out of the ring.

What inspired you to start training in combat sports?
I quit drugs and needed a new lease on life, so I turned to combat sports for purpose and direction.

Which discipline did you start with, and how has your style evolved?
I started with boxing briefly when I was a kid, and now I’ve returned to it with a more disciplined and aggressive approach.

How would you describe your fighting style in one sentence?
My fighting style is aggressive, forward-pressing, and built on pressure.

Who are your biggest influences or role models in combat sports?
Paul Venis and Danny Christie have been major influences on me, both in and out of the ring.

What’s been the toughest fight of your career so far, and why?
The toughest fight of my career was against Braidie in BKB because I felt I was winning but still came up short.

How do you mentally prepare before stepping into the ring or cage?
I listen to classical music and mentally shut off to focus and stay calm before the fight.

What’s your training schedule like during fight camp versus the off-season?
I’m constantly in camp because I fight often, and my training is a hybrid of both boxing and bare-knuckle preparation.

How important is diet and recovery in your routine?
Diet is crucial for me — I stick to 80% clean eating and 20% normal, keeping things strict and consistent.

Have you ever had to overcome a major injury or setback? How did you bounce back?
Overcoming drug addiction was my biggest setback, but I bounced back by finding something I truly enjoy in combat sports.

What’s your go-to move or combination that opponents should fear?
Opponents should watch out for my flurry of punches, which I use to overwhelm and pressure them.

Do you study your opponents before fights, or rely more on your instincts?
I always study my opponents and make sure to incorporate what I learn into my training.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big match?
I deal with nerves by reminding myself that life stops for no man — I just get on with it.

What’s one misconception people have about combat sports or fighters?
People often think fighters are nasty, but despite how I look and what I do, I carry myself like a gentleman.

Which do you value more in a fight — technique, power, or heart? Why?
I value heart the most because without heart, none of the other attributes truly matter.

Is there a dream opponent or match you’d love to have in the future?
I don’t have one specific opponent in mind — I’m open to facing anyone and just want to keep building myself up in the ranks.

How do you balance the intensity of combat sports with your personal life?
I manage it by just getting on with it, knowing that the life I want is hidden behind the work I avoid.

How do you stay focused during a long, grueling round?
I rely on heart and dig deep to push through when the rounds get tough.

How do you handle criticism, whether from coaches, fans, or media?
I laugh at criticism because it comes in abundance and I’ve learned not to let it affect me.

How do you want to be remembered in the world of combat sports?
I want to be remembered as someone who fought to rise above life’s trials and tribulations.

What advice would you give to young fighters just starting out?
My advice is to learn the fundamentals and make sure to implement them in everything you do.

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