This conversation is with Danny O’Connor, a former professional boxer, author, and advocate for men’s mental health and eating disorder awareness. Danny earned 31 professional wins, held a top-five world ranking, represented the United States on the Olympic stage and became a WBC International Silver Super Lightweight Champion.
In his book, Weight Class, Danny shares the story behind those achievements: his longstanding struggle with an eating disorder, the extreme weight-cutting practices that nearly took his life, and his journey into recovery. He now uses his experience to bring attention to the struggles around food, body image, and identity that can remain hidden behind athletic success.
We Discuss:
Introduction to extreme weight cutting tactics as a young wrestler
His career in professional boxing
Athletic discipline vs pathologic restriction
Fitting into a lighter weight class won’t make you a better athlete
Inside an extreme binge eating episode
The weight cut that landed him in the ICU
Barriers men face in eating disorder recovery
How Danny beat his eating disorder
Should combat sport promotions change weigh-in rules?
Athletes need to be educated on how to healthily cut weight
*Please appreciate that any information discussed is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the opinion of a physician or qualified healthcare provider.*
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