When injury ended Perth boxer Mick Lance’s professional career in 2019, it marked the beginning of the toughest fight of his life – a battle with his own mental health.

Now, at 41, the man known as Coach Mick has completed one of his greatest challenges yet — a feat that tested every ounce of strength, endurance and heart.

Over 31 hours and 33 minutes, Mick fought his way through 417 rounds in the aptly named One Life Challenge, raising $20,000 for Lifeline WA’s work supporting people through their toughest times.

The 417 rounds represented every West Australian life lost to suicide in 2023 — a powerful and emotional symbol of hope and remembrance.

While Mick was fit and conditioned going in, the feat pushed his body to breaking point. Over the 32-hour marathon he burned thousands of calories, lost litres of fluid and battled relentless fatigue.

“This was by far the longest boxing challenge I’ve ever taken on outside of competing, and honestly, you can’t really prepare for 32 hours of boxing,” he said.
“It was a massive mental battle. There were blisters, bruises and plenty of moments where I just had to grit it out.”

The Hidden Battle

Mick’s mental health struggle began after a series of severe headaches during training for his fourth professional fight forced him to retire.

A lifelong boxer with a lengthy amateur career behind him, he suddenly found himself without the thing that had given him identity and purpose.

“A lot of athletes struggle when they retire from a sport they’ve dedicated their life to. It becomes part of who you are,” he said.
“People used to call me ‘Mick the boxer’. When that identity is gone, you start to wonder, ‘Well, who am I now?’ That loss of purpose can be really tough.”

The loss of his sport and the mental health challenges that followed changed the way Mick viewed life, resilience and connection — inspiring him to use boxing to help others find strength both inside and outside the ring.

Living In The Shadow of CTE

Mick is also a registered donor with the Australian Sports Brain Bank, aware that he may be living with the effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma.

CTE has been linked to depression, anxiety, aggression and memory loss, and can only be definitively diagnosed after death.

“In combat and contact sports, we’re seeing more athletes facing the effects of CTE and the mental struggles that come with it,” he said.

“It’s still such an unknown condition, which is why staying on top of our mental health and communicating openly is so important.”

Fighting For Those Who Can’t

Throughout the challenge, Mick was fuelled by a mix of grit, determination and — when exhaustion set in — by the people he was fighting for.

“People could sponsor a round, dedicate one to someone they’d lost, come down to hold the pads or just bring a bit of energy when I needed it most,” said Mick.

“This fight was for everyone who’s ever felt like they couldn’t go another round.”

By the end of the challenge, Mick had achieved his goal — raising $20,000 for Lifeline WA and helping more West Australians access lifesaving support.

Lifeline WA Backs the Fight Against Suicide

Lifeline WA CEO Lorna MacGregor praised Mick’s determination to turn personal pain into purpose.

“Mick’s courage in speaking so openly about his struggles is incredibly powerful,” Ms MacGregor said.

“His challenge reminds people that it’s okay to ask for help, and that no matter how hard life feels, there is always someone ready to listen.”

Mick has been a long-time supporter of Lifeline WA, taking on endurance challenges including a 50 km walk in 2021 and a 100 km walk in 2022, collectively raising more than $50,000 for suicide prevention.

As the Lifeline WA team reflected on his most recent effort, they said they were still coming to terms with his colossal feat of 417 rounds in the boxing ring over 31 hours and 33 minutes.

Lifeline WA is here to listen 24/7. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat