Harry Garside is embarking on a ‘super challenging’ ordeal after being accused of domestic violence against ex Ashley Ruscoe

Australian boxer Harry Garside has opened up about the mental toll of his domestic abuse accusation, revealing the saga has turned him into a ‘man’.

Garside, 25, was arrested by NSW Police in dramatic scenes at Sydney Airport as he returned home with his father after filming reality TV show I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in South Africa earlier this year.

Police dropped charges against the 25-year-old in a Sydney court after his legal team produced video evidence showing his ex-girlfriend, Ashley Ruscoe, was the alleged aggressor during a March 1 incident.

– Garside was charged with domestic violence against his former girlfriend Ashley Ruscoe, but the charges were later dropped

Garside had steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings brought against him.

Ms Ruscoe, 35, was arrested at her Bellevue Hill home in July and accused of assaulting and intimidating her former partner, Mr Garside.

Months later, Ruscoe – who works as a boxing coach and wellness guru – was subsequently charged with two counts of intentionally distributing intimate images without consent.

Garside has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, with the trial still ongoing and Ruscoe pleading not guilty to all charges.

And speaking to SEN radio at the Pacific Games, the Olympian was candid in his reflections on the ordeal.

‘It’s never easy, right? Being in the public domain and in the public spotlight all the time and experiencing something like that, it was a huge challenge,” Garside said.

“But I think everything I’ve learned in my sporting career, and I feel like this year too, even though it’s been very challenging, I feel like I’ve turned into a man this year.

Garside said the past year has turned him into a “man” as he reflected on the episode

“I’m very grateful for everything I’ve been through this year, I’m very grateful that I got through it very quickly and I’m very grateful that I’ve realized who’s on my team, who’s got my back. My circle became smaller, but I am also very grateful for that.’

Garside said he chose not to wallow in self-pity during the saga.

“It’s never easy, but… there are so many other people in the world going through much harder things,” Garside said.

“I’m grateful that I’m through it and can only concentrate on Paris 2024.”

Speaking of France next year, Garside believes the best is yet to come.

“I definitely feel like I’m on my way [to being better than I was in Tokyo]which is great,” Garside said.

“I think as athletes, when they get to the age of 26, 27, that’s probably the peak time for boxers, which is great.

“I think when you drive into Paris you’ll see the best version of Harry Garside, which is nice.”