A Story of Mental Resilience

By James Williams

Ruben Whitter, a rising star in the unlicensed boxing world in Birmingham, UK, is carving a unique path from reality TV fame to the gritty world of combat sports. Known to TV viewers as "Mr. Todger" from Naked Attraction, Ruben has quickly made a name for himself in the boxing ring. Now, at 29, he reflects on how his past experiences—from early life in Nottingham to his transition to Birmingham—continue to shape his approach to training, growth, and competition. In this Q&A, Ruben opens up about the role of discipline, his mental approach, and what’s next for him in combat sports and beyond.

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Q: Ruben, your journey from reality TV to boxing has been quite a shift. How has your early background shaped your approach to training and competition?

Ruben Whitter: I’ve always believed in learning from everything I’ve done, even from my time on reality TV, even when I was so young. But boxing? It’s a whole different world! From day one, I’ve learned that it’s all about focus and discipline. My experience in Naked Attraction may have opened some doors, but stepping into the ring was where I truly had to prove myself. My life isn’t about being famous—it's about hard work, grit, and maintaining a level of mental resilience that keeps me thriving in the game of life.

Q: You’ve talked about how discipline and focus are central to your journey. How do you stay mentally sharp amidst the chaos of the unlicensed boxing world?

Ruben Whitter: That’s a good question! The unlicensed scene is wild, and it’s easy to get distracted by drama or the competition outside the ring. But for me, it’s all about staying grounded. I’ve learned to block out the noise. I remind myself why I’m in this—because I love the sport and I’m here to push myself. It’s a mix of discipline from my past and a daily commitment to growth. Whether it’s training, fighting, or navigating the ups and downs, I keep my head in the game. You need mental sharpness to survive, and I’m constantly working to improve my mindset, not just my physical skills.

Q: It sounds like mental strength plays a huge role in your training. Can you share how your past experiences helped you develop that?

Ruben Whitter: Absolutely. Growing up, I didn’t have the easiest path, and I learned early on that discipline was key to overcoming challenges. My background in martial arts, specifically, taught me a lot about patience, persistence, and resilience. Karate taught me how to push through when things get tough, but boxing has made me tougher in a different way. Now it’s about knowing my body and mind can take a beating, but the real victory is staying focused enough to bounce back every time. The mental side of combat sports is everything—it’s how I stay consistent, even when the external world is chaotic.

Q: With the challenges of the underground boxing scene, how do you maintain your motivation and stay true to your goals?

Ruben Whitter: Motivation is something I work on every day. The people around me, whether it's my coaches or training partners, help to keep me on track, but ultimately, it comes down to me. I’ve faced a lot of setbacks—cancelled fights, gym dramas—but I never lose sight of the bigger picture. My goal has always been to be a well-rounded fighter and to keep improving. And even when things get tough, I remember why I started this journey in the first place. The goal is to keep climbing, no matter the obstacles. It’s about being better today than I was yesterday.

Q: You've mentioned before how your discipline extends beyond the ring. Can you explain how your mindset influences other aspects of your life, like modeling and acting?

Ruben Whitter: I think everything connects. The discipline I gained through karate when I was a kid and boxing in my 20s has translated into other parts of my life, especially modeling and acting. It’s all about mental sharpness. Whether I’m in front of the camera or preparing for a fight, I approach each situation with the same mindset: preparation is key. I have a clear idea of what I want to achieve and how I’ll get there. It’s the same work ethic, the same level of focus, and that mental clarity. It’s all about staying disciplined in every area of life and not letting anything throw me off track.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals in boxing and combat sports? Do you see yourself expanding beyond just the ring?

Ruben Whitter: I’m focused on boxing right now, but I think there’s a lot of room to grow beyond just the sport. Combat sports aren’t just about physicality; they’re about mindset, discipline, and the ability to evolve. Down the line, I’d love to explore new opportunities that combine my passion for boxing with other interests. Whether it’s modeling, acting, or diving deeper in to fitness, I want to keep pushing myself and expand my presence. But for now, I’m determined to be the best fighter I can be, taking on the challenges that come my way and using everything I’ve learned to move forward.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to others looking to follow in your footsteps, especially those trying to break into combat sports?

Ruben Whitter: The biggest piece of advice I can give is to trust the process in carving out your own unique path. It’s easy to get distracted by people comparing you to others, like I sometimes get compared to Thomas Fury but we're worlds apart! Don't get frustrated, especially in the beginning. You have to be willing to put in the work, even when no one’s watching. It’s not just about physical skill—it’s about mental resilience and finding balance. Embrace the challenges, learn from setbacks, enjoy life both inside and outside of what you do, and most importantly... stay disciplined. Keep pushing forward, and don’t let anything shake your belief in yourself. If you can do that, you’re already on the right track.

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Ruben Whitter’s journey is about more than just boxing—it's about personal growth, resilience, and the ability to adapt. As he continues to rise through the unlicensed boxing world, it’s clear that his disciplined mindset, shaped by years of dedication to his craft, will keep him moving forward. Whether inside the ring or outside of it, Ruben’s commitment to self-improvement makes him a fighter to watch, both in sports and in life.