Former Boxer Garth Wood Opens Up About His Prison Experience

From Rugby to Boxing to Prison

Former rugby league star and professional boxer Garth Wood, 45, has shared his experiences behind bars after being sentenced for assaulting his partner's ex-boyfriend. Wood, who played rugby for South Sydney and Balmain Tigers before turning to boxing, had a successful career in the ring, winning 14 fights. However, his life took a dark turn when he was incarcerated for the attack in June.

A Shocking Revelation

Wood recently appeared on the podcast I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin, where he shed light on the drug problem he encountered while in prison. Contrary to his expectations, he found that drug addiction and mental health issues were prevalent among inmates, rather than the tough, confrontational environment he had anticipated.

The Harsh Reality of Addiction

Wood recounted a disturbing incident involving heroin use within the prison. He revealed that seven inmates were sharing a syringe to inject the drug, despite one of them having AIDS. This shocking revelation highlighted the lengths to which individuals were willing to go to satisfy their addiction.

Finding Strength in Adversity

Despite the challenges he faced, Wood managed to stay in shape during his time behind bars. He formed a group with other inmates who shared his passion for fitness and together they engaged in intense training sessions. The workouts consisted of exercises like burpees, bear crawls, squats, and push-ups, lasting nearly 40 minutes. Wood admitted that the initial sessions left him unable to walk for days.

A Mix of Good and Evil

While Wood did form connections with some inmates, he also encountered dangerous individuals during his time in prison. He expressed his desire to avoid crossing paths with them again, emphasizing the presence of both good and evil within the system.

Garth Wood's story serves as a reminder of the harsh realities that can be found in the prison system. His candid account sheds light on the prevalence of drug addiction and mental health issues behind bars, and the challenges faced by inmates trying to navigate this complex environment.