HOLLYWOOD — Avetis Gadyan hadn’t boxed for two years and was working a well-paying job. But after going through the COVID-19 pandemic, he had a revelation that resulted in an immediate pro career.

“Boxing is my life and I have to continue doing it,” said Gadyan. “I was in it since I was a child, but I came back. I had a little ring rust inside me, but we did well.”

Jonny Mansour had a more streamlined course to professional boxing, developing a high amateur pedigree that put him on the fast track to becoming a top lightweight prospect. He competed in and won high-level amateur events that earned him a spot with Team USA and a runner-up finish at the 2022 USA Boxing International Invitational. But none of that could prepare him for a training camp that took place while his mom was in the hospital battling Stage 4 colon cancer.

The two fighters have each hurdled mental health obstacles to find the stage they’re on today. Their unique journeys landed them on the card for the Championing Mental Health event last Thursday at the Avalon in Hollywood.

The show was dreamed up by Anthony Girges, founder of 555 Media, and wasn’t a standard boxing event. In efforts to raise mental health awareness, everyone who fought on the card is eligible to receive a year of therapy through Athletes for Hope in addition to their monetary compensation.

Fighters were also not required to sell tickets for the event, which was endorsed by WBC Cares and hosted in coordination with Bash Boxing.

“I didn’t know the impact I was going to have with that alone,” Girges said. “When we talk about mental health and we talk about these fighters, specifically in boxing, it’s multifaceted. It goes down to the littlest thing of ‘Oh my god, I don’t have to sell a ticket.’ That mentally takes the pressure off of me where I can focus on my training. I can focus on my craft.”

Both Gadyan (2-0, 2 KOs) and Mansour (5-0, 2 KOs) won their fights on Thursday — Gadyan by first-round KO and Mansour by unanimous decision after a full six rounds — after going through mental health struggles of their own.

Gadyan, who fought at a catchweight of 138 pounds, has support from his family but still faces pressure to succeed after leaving his job and stability. Mansour balanced training camp with hospital visits to see his mom, relying on the limited food options that were available at the hospital to keep him satiated while preparing for his fifth pro fight.

“I was thinking of her during the fight, I was thinking of her the whole camp,” he said. “It was a very difficult camp; not physically, but mentally..”

His supportive mom was unable to be at his fight, but Mansour brought his championship belt to her in the hospital immediately after. She died Saturday, just two days after his win.

“My mom has done everything for me,” Mansour said. “She’s the strongest woman in the world and the man I am today is because of her.”

Mansour said that he’ll take advantage of the therapy provided by Athletes for Hope if he feels he needs it. He also took time to mentor young athletes through community events hosted by Championing Mental Health and encourages those who need guidance to reach out to him on social media.

The Championing Mental Health event was true to its name, right down to the words of encouragement printed on the rope spacers — phrases like “your mind matters” and “keep showing up” surrounded the fighters.