Documentary follows Maritime boxer’s journey back to the ring

Former kickboxing world champion and boxer Sandy Pembroke returned to the ring eight years after what was thought to be a career-ending injury.

Eight years ago, a doctor put a piece of titanium in Sandy Pembroke’s upper spine. For the Maritime boxer, it seemed like the end of his career in the ring.

A new short documentary charts Pembroke’s dedication to return to the boxing world as he prepares for a comeback match at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax in February 2024.

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“It’s a quite powerful in its message of continuing to chase your dreams,” Pembroke said. “It’s about an older guy trying to hold on and maybe inspire some younger people.”

“Unretired: The Return of Sandy Pembroke” was made available on YouTube last month. Pembroke said it was strange to see himself on film.

“They did a pretty good job of following me around,” he said. “It’s really terrible to see my older body in the ring.”

Pembroke said boxing is closely tied with his mental health, and it’s something he hopes to continue pursuing.

“Keep moving and grooving like I’m 20 and hopefully when I’m 90 we can have another interview where I’m moving around better than I am now,” he said.