"There's a lot of respect in boxing for the opponents - it's not as brutal a sport as people think," Danny Heyes told the Mail as he reflected on the previous weekend of fights for the trainees at his gym.
The Mandurah local and his wife Kelly Heyes have spent years training budding boxers in the ring, and watching them step out into their own after rigorous training processes.
"In boxing it takes a good year before you have your first fight," Danny said.
"They train Monday to Thursday, both technique and fitness sessions, and then have sparring sessions on Saturday."
Over the weekend, Danny's gym Fighter Fit saw two of its athletes, Karlee Hayes and Charles Bird, achieve soaring wins at Boxing WA's Special Bouts competition.
"Karlee and Charles both did an amazing job," Danny said.
"Karlee used to box at another gym, but came over to us and this was her first fight with us.
"She smashed her fight - won it easy and we were very proud of her."
Charles, who is just 15 years old, won his second ever fight against a fighter from a big fighting gym.
"His opponent was from a well-respected gym. It was a great match-up and they both won one round each.
"It all came down to the third round and Charles came out on top. He had been going hard at training and he was absolutely buzzing afterwards."
Danny, who has travelled the world with his boxing and was ranked number one boxer in Australia in 2017, is extremely passionate about the sport - and the camaraderie it brings.
"The boxing community is surrounded by nice people," he said. "After each match, the boxers will shake hands, give each other a hug and go out the back for a chat."
Kelly's boxing career started after she competed in a charity match in Scotland to raise awareness for down syndrome. She went on to have a successful career in Australia, eventually being ranked number two in Australia in 2013 and again in 2014.
The pair are passionate about seeing Mandurah boxers reach their full potential and improve both their mental and physical health.
"Charles and Karlee came into training after the weekend absolutely buzzing. They were so proud and so were we."
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
