From the Ring to Real Life

Lessons on Masculinity, Fighting, and Success with Axel Axe and Tony Mack

What does it take to be a man, a fighter, and a success in today’s world? In a gripping podcast episode, Axel Axe sits down with Tony Mack to unpack these questions and more.

From the raw intensity of the boxing ring to the quiet strength of personal growth, their conversation is a masterclass in resilience, identity, and turning pain into power.

Axel Axe and Tony Mack on the ring after the interview.

The Warm-Up: Setting the Stage

Right out of the gate, Axel and Tony waste no time. The intro is short, sharp, and sets the tone for what’s to come: an unfiltered look at life through the lens of two men who’ve fought their way to wisdom. No fluff, just real talk.

Defining Masculinity in a Modern World

Axel kicks things off with a question that’s on a lot of minds: What does masculinity even mean anymore? For Tony and Axel, it’s not about stereotypes or posturing—it’s about owning your responsibilities, standing tall in adversity, and leading with purpose.

“Men are getting soft, nobody wants to fight anymore” Tony remarks, It’s a hard hitting take that cuts through the noise of today’s culture wars.

The Blueprint for Achieving Success

Success doesn’t come easy, and these two know it. Axel shares how discipline and consistency—hallmarks of a fighter’s life—translate to any goal.

Tony adds, “It’s not about the big wins; it’s about showing up every day, even when you’re bruised.” Whether you’re chasing a championship belt or a corner office, the message is clear: success is a grind, not a gift.

How Fighting Forges Strength

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Tony, a seasoned boxer, explains how stepping into the ring doesn’t just test your body—it shapes your soul. “Boxing found me, and it saved my life,” Tony says with a deep conviction.

Axel nods along, pointing out that life’s toughest battles often mirror a fight: you don’t win by avoiding the hits, but by learning to take them and hit back harder.

Spotting a Real Fighter

Not everyone who talks tough is a fighter, and Tony’s got a keen eye for the real deal. “You can’t play at boxing,” he says. “You have to want it more than me”

Axel expands on the importance of identity and making a decision to becoming a strong man in his twenties, and since then he completely changed his body by using his mind as a guide.

Building an Unshakable Identity

Tony gets personal here, talking about how he crafted his sense of self through years of trial and error. “My dad wasn’t a great role model, but he made sure I never needed anything” he says.

Tony’s Father: The Man Behind the Man

Things take an emotional turn as Tony opens up about his dad. “He wasn’t perfect, but he showed me what it means to be a man,” he shares. You can hear the gratitude in his voice as he credits his father for instilling the grit that’s carried him through life. It’s a powerful nod to the unsung heroes who shape us.

Turning Pain into Fuel

If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this: pain isn’t the enemy—it’s the fuel. Tony talks about using setbacks as motivation, a lesson he learned in the ring and applied everywhere else. “80% of success is just showing up” he says. Axel doubles down, adding that the strongest people he knows are the ones who’ve been through hell and kept swinging.

Money Talks: Principles for Wealth

Shifting gears, the duo dives into finances. Tony’s approach is straightforward: live below your means, invest in yourself, and don’t chase flash over substance. Axel ties it back to fighting: “How do boxers make money? DO you have any business advice for them?”

Tony expands on practical strategies and advice that’s as relevant in the ring as it is at the bank.

The Business of Boxing

Ever wondered how boxers actually make money? Tony breaks it down—ticket sales, sponsorships, PPV cuts—and it’s not as glamorous as it looks. “Most fighters are broke,” he admits. It’s a peek behind the curtain that’s equal parts sobering and inspiring.

Business Advice for Fighters

For fighters looking to thrive beyond the ropes, Tony’s got wisdom to spare. “Build a team, learn the business, and think about what’s next.”

Axel adds that versatility is key—something every entrepreneur can relate to.

Axel and Tony having a good time on set

TMack Elite Training: Shaping the Future

Tony lights up talking about TMack Elite Training, his program for up-and-coming fighters. “It’s about more than punches—it’s about life,” he says. You can tell this is his passion project, a way to give back and mold the next generation.

From Defeat to Destiny

Tony shares a bit about his new book “Defeat to Destiny”

Losses don’t define you—how you rebound does. Tony shares a story of a crushing defeat that became a turning point.

Walking Through Hell with a Smile

The episode closes on a high note, with Tony summing it up beautifully: “You have to be able to walk through hell with a smile on your face.”

Axel echoes the sentiment, leaving you fired up and ready to face whatever’s next.

Axel Axe and Tony Mack don’t just talk the talk—they’ve lived it. This episode is a raw, no-BS look at what it means to fight for your place in the world, whether that’s in the ring or in your own head. It’s about masculinity, sure, but it’s also about humanity. Check out the full podcast—you won’t regret it.

What’s your take? How do you turn pain into fuel? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them.