Mike Pedrana will be punching for a good cause when he takes to the ring at Optus Stadium as part of the fight card for White Collar Boxing WA's charity event this Friday night.
The local legend will be one of many boxers putting on a show to raise money for Tiny Sparks WA, the state's premier charity for high-risk pregnancies and babies born sick or premature.
The 48-year-old is no stranger to stepping into the ring, boasting a wealth of boxing experience ranging back to his early bouts as a youngster growing up in Carnarvon.
Known as the "Babbage Island Boy", Pedrana describes the sport as having "guided him through some wild years" in his youth.
"I first got into boxing because the local police from neighbourhood sort of just rounded up all the troubled youth, gave us a pair of gloves and got us into the sport as a way to get us on the straight and narrow," he said.
"I quickly realised how much I loved the sport and just followed the path from there.
"Since then its kept me grounded. It makes you feel like you're part of something and you get this great sense of achievement.
"Doing charity fights like this is a way to give back to the community through the sport that's given me so much.
"In the end it's worth the sore ribs."
This won't be the first time Pedrana has used boxing as a platform to help those in need, with the experienced fighter having previously fought to raise funds for those battling cancer along with a string of other charity work.
Pedrana is preparing for his bout against Rusty Oates under coach Jason Moore out of his Erskine-based gym Moorey's Martial Arts.
The veteran had to overcome illness before beginning his training, but is adamant he'll be as well prepared as possible come fight night.
"I'm feeling really good. Usually I'm a bit nervous but for some reason I'm just really excited this time around," he said.
"This is my second time training for a fight under Jason, and he toughens you up so I'm sure I'll be as ready as can be on Friday."
White Collar Boxing WA's charity event fight night kicks off on Friday, with doors opening at 5.30pm.
For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, call Donna Martin on 0411 043 313.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
