Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton made a stark admission over his health on a recent appearance on BBC's Nolan Show on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Belfast fighter revealed his concerns that he expects to develop dementia or brain injury in later life due to his boxing career.
His comments come amid renewed focus on boxing safety after John Cooney underwent emergency brain surgery following a fight at Ulster Hall on Saturday night.
Cooney suffered an intracranial haemorrhage after his super-featherweight bout against Nathan Howells was stopped in the ninth round.
Carl Frampton expects to suffer from brain problems in his latter life
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The Co Galway fighter is currently being treated in intensive care at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
The incident has reignited discussions about safety measures within the sport.
Frampton revealed he undergoes yearly brain check-ups to monitor his condition, though he maintains he isn't overly worried at present.
"I wouldn't say I worry about it but I have been to see some specialists just to have my brain checked out and make sure it's working as it should be," he told the Nolan Show.
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"I'm just hoping it's when I'm 75-years-old and not 50," he added, acknowledging the prevalence of brain injuries among former boxers.
The Belfast fighter noted that while he hopes to avoid such issues, he views them as "part of the game."
Reflecting on his career, Frampton acknowledged he likely sparred too much and with opponents who were too large.
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Carl Frampton is a two-time world champion after a fine career as a boxer
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"Looking back I probably wouldn't have sparred as much, it's just trauma on your head and brain that you don't need," he said.
The former champion believes improvements to boxing safety should focus on nutrition and weigh-in protocols.
He specifically highlighted concerns about fighters entering bouts dehydrated due to weigh-ins occurring a day and a half before fights.
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Carl Frampton dismissed the use of headguards
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Frampton drew a clear distinction between amateur and professional boxing safety standards.
"Amateur boxing is actually quite a safe sport as referees jump in quicker, fights are stopped when kids are getting hurt and they use bigger gloves," he explained.
However, he dismissed suggestions that headguards could improve safety in professional boxing.
"People are talking about head guards and stuff, but I don't think that makes it safer as there has been research done showing head guards only really stop cuts from happening, not trauma to the head or brain."
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