Welcome back to another riveting episode of the Criminal Connection Podcast. I’m Terry Stone, aka The Podfather, and today, we have a worldwide exclusive with a guest who has never spoken on a podcast before: Colin Wilby. Colin’s journey from a private school upbringing to becoming a renowned cage fighter and close protection officer is nothing short of extraordinary.
A Rocky Start
Colin Wilby, born in Kent, had an upbringing that straddled both privilege and chaos. His father was involved in fencing stolen goods, a fact that influenced Colin’s early life. Despite attending a private school, Colin faced bullying due to his father’s wealth, leading to a tumultuous childhood. “My dad had a lot of money and no one liked that,” he recalls, highlighting the disparity between his home life and his experiences at school.
A Move to Lincolnshire and Discovering a Love for Fighting
After moving to Lincolnshire, Colin’s life took another turn. His mother’s battle with alcoholism and eventual sobriety of 34 years influenced him deeply, although it was only later in life that these lessons fully resonated with him. During his teenage years, a move to Dartford exposed him to a different, rougher side of life, broadening his understanding of cultural diversity and street smarts.
From Welding to the World of Nightlife
Colin’s professional journey began as a welder, a job he performed diligently while juggling the nightlife scene in Dartford. However, it wasn’t long before the allure of easy money in the club scene pulled him in. Working on the doors of notorious clubs like Fat Sam’s, Colin quickly earned a reputation not just as a bouncer but as someone who could handle himself in a fight. His encounters were often brutal, as he vividly recalls incidents like biting off an attacker’s nipple in a street brawl.
Entering the World of Bare Knuckle Boxing
Colin’s reputation for toughness and his ability to fight caught the attention of local toughs, leading him to the world of bare-knuckle boxing. His first foray into this brutal sport came through a chance encounter at a pub, where he was offered £500 to fight. Despite the lack of formal training, Colin’s raw talent shone through, leading him to a series of victories and establishing him as a formidable fighter in the underground boxing scene.
Transition to Cage Fighting
Building on his success in bare-knuckle boxing, Colin transitioned into cage fighting, driven by a desire to test his limits and gain recognition. His journey wasn’t easy, marked by intense training and the physical and mental toll of the sport. Yet, he thrived, accumulating titles and accolades, including the British Heavyweight Title. His fights were known for their ferocity, often ending in dramatic knockouts that cemented his status as a feared and respected fighter.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Colin’s journey has not been without personal struggles. The loss of his mother led to a period of deep depression, during which he isolated himself and struggled with his mental health. However, his return to training and focus on fighting provided a path to recovery. “Since I started training back how I used to when I was professional, my mood lifted,” he shares, underscoring the therapeutic power of discipline and physical activity.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, Colin attributes his resilience and success to the lessons learned from his tumultuous upbringing and the brutal world of underground fighting. His story is a testament to the power of transformation and the ability to rise above circumstances. As he continues to rebuild his life and career, Colin remains a compelling figure, embodying the spirit of a true fighter.
Stay tuned for more insights and stories from Colin Wilby in the next part of our exclusive interview on the Criminal Connection Podcast.