Mark Little, pro boxer, gained 24 stone by winning 'LAZINESS and too many cafe breakfasts'.
The 33-year old East Londoner has turned his life around and lost more than 11 STONE. He then built a nearly perfect record in the ring.
Father-of-three Little felt compelled to act after seeing a photo of him at his cousin's wedding. He said that it looked like his daughter was sitting on his belly.
It was Christmas Eve 2011, and the cruiserweight has been on an incredible journey that has transformed his mental and physical health over the past 10 years.
SunSport interviewed Little about his life, the lows and highs, and why he weighed so heavily. He also shared what advice he would give to anyone struggling with their bodies.
He stated, "I was 24th at my heaviest." He was a large, strong lad.
It was simply laziness. As a child, I wasn't very big. However, that was over once school ended.
"I was a builder before I left. I then became a chippy [carpenter] after I moved to the United States. Cafe breakfasts and other such things didn't help.
"But I didn't have any fitness. I was never a gymman or anything like that. It was simply laziness.
"I didn't do anything outside of work, and I just got larger and bigger.
"Doctors used tell me that it was time for me to lose weight. I didn't have a true scare, but more people told me that I was looking fat.
"But it was also a confidence thing. It was horrible. It's a shame that you are the way that you are. It is a waste of time to be down on yourself.
"You don't feel confident, so I had to do something to change it."
Little hails from Silvertown, London's heart of London's Docklands. He works at Tate and Lyle's iconic sugar factory - just a stone's throw away from his childhood home.
He works 12-hour days and nights as a machine operator, while also working out with Paul Cook (63), his father Nicky Cook, former WBO super-featherweight champion.
This is on top of a busy family life, as Charlene, 33, and Shanie (10), and Darcey (77) and Stanley (2 (2).
Shanie, despite being a newborn at the time played an important role in her father's decision to make a change in his life.
Little explained that: "In 2011, my cousin was married on Christmas Eve. There was a photo of me holding my baby girl, and it looked almost like she was sitting on mine belly.
"I hated it. It was then that I decided: "I hate it."
It wasn't about boxing. However, I found that boxing was something that I enjoyed so let's make it an interest and keep me coming to the gym.
"Then, I found Paul and all the rest is history.
"I've lost approximately 10 and-a-half to 11 stone. This is where I am now.
"The least I lost was 11-and-a half stone, but that was too much.
"I couldn’t sustain being down so we lifted it up a bit and I’m now comfortable where I am.
"I'm 15st when I walk and 14st 4lbs on fight nights."
Cook was reserved, but quick-witted as Little talked candidly to SunSport regarding his past.
The trainer was not able to stop his fighter, however, from praising him as "the only one I listen too".
Little said, "Paul changed the course of my life."
"He had some boys in the gym [in 2012] who were doing boxercise classes. They were all unlicensed boxers.
"At first, I was just watching, and I didn't do any exercise in the gym.
"And then, I had the courage to ask Paul for his help and we began from there.
"After approximately four weeks, Paul stated that he was going to fight for you, but I replied, 'No way, never.'
"I didn't think I would be doing this.
"To become a professional was an incredible achievement, and to be able to continue on as a 12-time unbeaten player was amazing.
"If it ends right now, we have done brilliantly." We have so much more to offer."
Little, who identifies Ricky Hatton and Lennox Lewis as his boxing idols, won 10 victories and lost two on the unlicensed circuit. He turned pro in November 2015.
The West Ham fan for life - whose nickname is "The Boleyn Boy" after the club's old grounds - won his first 12 fights before losing last time.
In September 2019, he lost on points to Andrius Ruzas of Lithuania and has not fought since.
Tonight's fight will be at Bethnal green's York Hall, where the cockney has made his home since his pro debut. He's fought there 11 times.
Ossie Jervier is a fellow Londoner, aged 6-15, but Little says he is 'tough'.
Little, despite his high profile, especially among Hammers fans, and his goal of becoming the Southern Area champion and fighting for the British title in the British championship, has not forgotten the obstacles he's faced.
He doesn't hide from the challenges of dealing with weight problems.
He does however have a message of inspiration for those who are in the same boat as he was years ago.
He stated, "It was a mental idea to begin with.
"But then, physically, once you start it can be really difficult, especially with work. But that's just what we've done and it's part my life.
"I am always at the gym. I wouldn't go back to where I was. I am too vain now!
"I don't think I'll continue to fight weight after I finish boxing, but I won't become massively inactive or overweight that's for certain."
"DON'T BE AFRAID"
When Little was asked if he had any advice for someone who has gained a lot of weight and is trying to lose it, Little replied emphatically: "Just do something."
"Do not be afraid of anything."
"Join an gym. There will be people who understand your needs.
You can use the gym to do some exercise or you can go to a boxing or fitness center.
"Find what interests you. You might find something you like in the gym. It doesn't necessarily have to be boxing.
To keep you interested, just focus on one thing and do the same as me. You can even hire a personal trainer. Anything to keep you motivated.
"If I can do something, everyone can."
It takes some time, but choose what you want and then go do it.
"Don't worry, do not stress, just give it a shot and see what happens."
Any tips on how to manage diets?
"THE HARDEST TIME WAS FOOD"
Little said that the hardest thing to eat at the beginning was the food.
It's difficult to give up what you love. Although it is not easy, it becomes easier when you have the right diet.
It's a mind-game. You just have to say, "This stuff is not good for me."
"I was not on any nutrition plan. I was trying to prepare three meals a day of good food.
"I don't claim that I have never had bad food, although I do eat it. But I understand the importance of what you eat.
"If you don't want to have a bad week, have one bad meal per-week."
Little was a West Ham Season Ticket holder for 16 years. He has previously donated a portion of his fight purses and other Hammers-related charities, Isla's Fight or the DT38 – Dylan Tombides Foundation.
Although Tyson Fury, Floyd Mayweather and Anthony Joshua are multimillionaires, Little knows that boxing won't be his main source of income.
Although he still depends on ticket sales for his fights, his motivation is elsewhere.
Little answered the question "Not failing" when asked what motivates him to continue with his rigorous training sessions week after week.
"I want something. If we win the Southern Area, and I get out of boxing, then I'll be happy.
"The British title is for us like a global title. But only one shot at a given time.
No plans to stop ...?
Little laughed and said, "Until I cant or until Paul tells it, I won't give up."
