Boxer Josh Warrington hit by family crisis after dad Sean O’Hagan’s heart attack

The build-up to Josh Warrington’s return to the spotlight took a sudden and frightening turn far from the ring. In the hours before a major fight night in Dubai, news emerged that stopped everything else.

Warrington’s father and long time trainer, Sean O’Hagan, suffered a heart attack when he was meant to be doing what he has done for decades, standing ringside and guiding fighters through battle.The news landed heavily inside Warrington’s camp at a fragile stage of his comeback. As a big rematch drew closer and momentum began to build, it became clear how fast boxing can lose its importance when family is involved.

Josh Warrington dad heart attack shocks boxing camp

Sean O’Hagan was in Dubai ahead of Maxi Hughes’ fight against Bakhodur Usmonov when he was struck by a heart attack only hours before the bout.

O’Hagan, who trains Warrington and also works closely with Hughes, was rushed to a local hospital and received immediate care.

Josh Warrington’s team later confirmed that O’Hagan made a full recovery, easing fears across the boxing community. A statement released on Sunday read: “Sean had a heart attack on Friday in Dubai and wasn’t in Maxi Hughes’ corner.“He received great medical treatment in a local hospital and has made a full recovery.

Sean would like to thank the IBA for their fantastic support during a worrying time.”O’Hagan is now expected to be present when Warrington faces Leigh Wood in their highly anticipated rematch in February.

Josh Warrington reflects on father-son bond shaped by boxing

Earlier this year, Warrington spoke with rare honesty about the complicated relationship forged through years of shared sacrifice in the gym. “There were horrible and hard times when I hated my dad,” Warrington admitted.“Boxing can do that to a father and son, no matter how close they are and how much they love each other.“There were times when my dad had to push me to breaking point and be brutally honest with me.“Those moments made me a world champion and I am grateful for them and they made our successes even more meaningful. But I don’t think I could do that with my own son.“The high points in boxing are brilliant and sharing them with your dad, in your corner, is great.“But the lows are horrible and going through that with your dad and not just a trainer is a very difficult thing to manage and cope with.”As of now, O’Hagan is out of danger.Also Read: Holiday twist sees Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua swap Christmas cards just ahead of their highly anticipated fight