Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
A 23-year-old bare-knuckle boxer known only as Linx has spoken candidly about the harsh ridicule he faces after years of fighting left him with a visibly swollen and square-shaped head.
The West London fighter, who has been boxing since he was five, says repeated trauma from punches during his career caused his cheeks and jawline to swell permanently, altering his appearance and attracting unwanted attention.
“My face swelled up like a balloon,” Linx said. “I used to have a normal head shape until around 18. Now, people stop me in the street and ask if I have cancer. It’s heartbreaking.”
Years of Damage and Daily Taunts
Linx, who claims to be undefeated in over 50 bare-knuckle bouts, believes the swelling is due to tissue damage from repeated hits. He says medical professionals have told him that only plastic surgery or Botox could help restore his face to its original shape.
He recalled how the changes began around 2020 after a series of intense fights. “It’s a mystery — no one else in my family has anything like it,” he explained. “But I like to think it’s made me stronger, even more confident. People might hate, but I try to see beauty in it.”
Despite his efforts to remain positive, Linx admits that public reactions can be cruel. His TikTok videos, where he shares motivational posts and clips from his training sessions, have garnered millions of views — but also hundreds of mocking comments comparing him to Quagmire, the cartoon character from Family Guy.
“People comment things like ‘Giggity Giggity,’” Linx said. “It’s tough. When my cheeks first grew, I struggled mentally. Now, I try not to let it get to me — but some days, it’s unbearable.”
Finding Strength Through Social Media
Ironically, the same platform that exposed him to ridicule has also connected him to supporters who find inspiration in his confidence.
“A lot of people have messaged me saying I’ve helped them feel better about their own insecurities,” Linx shared. “That’s one reason I started posting — to show others they can still be proud of who they are, no matter how different they look.”
Linx’s TikTok page, @linx-never-give-up, has become a growing community for fans who see him as a symbol of resilience and self-acceptance.
Looking Ahead: A Fighter’s Dream
Despite the physical toll and emotional strain, Linx says he has no plans to quit. His goal is to compete professionally in Misfits Boxing, a crossover boxing promotion co-founded by KSI and Mams Taylor in 2022.
“One day, I’ll be a Misfits champion,” he said. “I want to prove my haters wrong — that no matter what happens to you, you can still rise, still fight, still win.”
For now, Linx continues to train and inspire others through his story — one of pain, perseverance, and unshakable self-belief in a world often too quick to judge by appearances.
