Transplant boxer 'world's first' to gain pro license
BBCA boxer who was told he would never fight again after developing a life-threatening blood disorder has been granted his professional licence.
Reuben Muston, from Reading, is believed to be the first boxer in the world to turn professional after undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
He was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, after a nosebleed sustained in a national final fight in 2022 would not stop for 24 hours. He underwent a stem cell transplant, using cells donated by his father Danny, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The 20-year-old made his return to the ring two and a half years later, winning gold at the national championships. He said securing his professional licence "feels great".
"After everything I've been through, all them years, all them times where it looked like I was never really going to reach this moment, to finally get granted my licence, it's a big feeling," he said.
"This is just the start and I'm going to go on to a lot more from now. This is where the hard work really starts."
Muston, who boxes at super-flyweight, recalled how he did not initially believe the diagnosis.
He said: "I remember sitting in the doctor's office thinking, 'he must be lying, or maybe I'm in a dream right now', because I'd just been competing at the very highest level there is in amateur boxing."
Despite being told his career was over, he said he never stopped picturing his return.
"I always saw myself coming back despite what everyone was telling me. I know most people out there did not see it coming, but I could always see myself getting back in the ring," he said.
Muston's licence was granted by the British Boxing Board of Control, the governing body for professional boxing in Great Britain.
Applicants need to pass an extensive medical examination, including blood tests and a brain scan, before a licence can be approved.
He credited his family, and particularly his father, who also acts as a coach, with helping him through.
"My dad's given me a second shot at life and now I'm living it to my best," he said.
Muston has worked with the Anthony Nolan Trust to encourage more people, particularly those aged 16 to 30, to join the stem cell register.
"So many people nowadays are needing stem cell transplants and there's just not enough people on the register," he said.
"It's such an easy procedure. It's essentially the same as giving blood, and you've donated your bone marrow and you've saved a life."
He is now looking to secure a promotional deal to begin his professional career, training six days a week and maintaining weight so he is "ready to go at any moment".
