Brian Rose could take no more. Dark thoughts of Jason Rushton, a critically injured opponent, clouded his mind and his unbeaten record was ruined.
Champion
Rose had reached breaking point by the time he faced Maxwell. He was a distant figure, paying little attention to Rimmer, and a big right hook left him helpless on the canvas.
This first defeat prompted a swift decision and Rimmer wanted to join him in retirement, but he made one last plea for Rose to reconsider.
"I told you I would make you into a champion a long time ago and I still believe that I can," said Rimmer.
Rose would return. His mental turmoil was eased by a sports psychologist and free from his burden, he outclassed Prince Arron to claim the British title. But his conqueror Maxwell still loomed in the background and Rose longed for a rematch.
Despite Rimmer's concerns, Rose agreed to face his old foe again. His trainer needn't have worried as Rose mastered Maxwell, repairing his record with a wide points win.
It was time for Rose to look beyond his British rivals, to face men who would test his title ambitions. Joachim Alcine, a former world champion, was halted in a draining struggle, but a torturous 12 rounds still lay ahead.
Javier Maciel, nicknamed 'The Beast', hauled Rose into a ferocious dogfight. Rimmer's hours of instruction were forgotten as Rose traded blows with the Argentine, his face would bear the marks of a brutal points win.
When asked to explain his victory, Rose simply replied: "I don't think he wanted it as much as me.
"For me, that's what won me that fight, my heart and my desire."
Prove
This inner steel must be shown again when Rose heads to America in search of a world title.
Andrade, a decorated amateur with dazzling hand speed is expected to retain his crown, but Rose doubts whether the American can match his appetite for battle.
"He's never had to dig deep. We're going to see how much he wants this," he said.
"I've done it three, four, five times. I've had to dig deep so many more times than him and I'm willing to do it again."
Watching from the corner in New York will be Rimmer, ready to offer his calm guidance. Fighter's dreams have fallen apart in front of him, but this night will be different. Rose is ready to repay his faith.
"It will prove to me, to Brian, to everybody else that I was right. What I said a long time ago, 'this kid can be a world champion', I'm right aren't I."
