Mandurah's Alex Winwood eyes Olympic berth

After performing well and beating a New Zealand boxer at a recent tournament in China, Winwood now needs to finish in the top four in Azerbaijan to claim a Rio berth.

The 18-year-old started senior boxing just eight months ago and has since built an impressive record of 19 wins and six losses from his 25 bouts.

Winwood found it hard to describe what achieving his Olympic dream would feel like, but said his reaction would most likely be like friends of his who had been selected.

“I’ve had mates that have dropped to the floor because they just can’t believe it,” he said.

“It would be unreal to be selected.”

Winwood said preparation and focus were the keys for him heading into Azerbaijan.

“I just need to knuckle down and take each step like I took it in China,” he said.

“Sticking to the training regime, keeping in shape and staying at the right weight is crucial.”

That training regime includes distance running teamed with in-gym training for five days a week.

Winwood’s coach Brian Satori described him as “one of the hardest workers” he had ever seen.

“Alex is just a really easy fighter to coach – he picks up his tactics really well and he works extremely hard,” he said.

“I try to give him Sunday off every week because he’s always training.”

Satori said finding an opponent to fight before Winwood flies to Azerbaijan was their primary focus.

“To keep the preparation and momentum going it would be good to face someone before Azerbaijan,” he said.

“We have some good sparring opponents but Alex really needs one more fight before he heads over.”

The duo are also searching for sponsors to help Winwood reach his goal of representing Australia at the Olympics.

If you would like to get on board, contact Satori on 0413 146 860.