Seamus Perry is part of a longtime boxing legacy which spans across decades and countries.
Seamus, his brother Sean and father John have all been recognised and awarded for their contributions to both the Mandurah and Ireland boxing communities.
As his family's business Shamrock Boxing Gym prepares to reopen its doors, Seamus has been in training for a comeback fight, propelled by breaking free from drug addiction and re-discovering his passion.
"I started training with my brother Sean at PCYC Mandurah when we were just seven and eight years old - then we moved to Ireland and boxed in Ireland from 10-11," Seamus said.
"I won many championships in Ireland and upon returning to Australia I won the Wes Australian Senior Golden Gloves Championship in 1996."
In a publication about Seamus's family, The Perry Family - Three Generations In the Ring, it is revealed that just as Seamus's career in boxing was about to take off, he became addicted to drugs, and had to spent the following years in rehab.
The booklet reads, 'he (Seamus) has become firmly committed to redeeming himself in all aspects of life and is back in serious training for months to make a comeback with the Shamrock Boxing Club."
I hope I'll be ready for a comeback by March 2022.
- Seamus Perry
Seamus, who has donned the title of 'the Comeback Kid', has enlisted the help of local boxing legend and coach Danny Heyes to help him prepare for his ultimate comeback fight.
"Starting again in January 2021 was hard, but it is getting easier now with two sessions on some days - I hope I'll be ready for a comeback by March 2022," Seamus said.
"Danny has a very successful reputation in WA and nationally and boxes for Australian titles.
"He puts a lot of time into training with his wife Kelly who also has plenty of experience in boxing."
Heyes said Seamus was doing "really well" and that despite his struggles he is "set to get back into fighting" next year.
Seamus's father John is preparing to re-open the Shamrock Gym, searching for a fitting location to move into in early 2022, where they will offer 'Box-Fit' sessions with qualified trainers.
John himself has a long boxing history filled with awards and titles.
"I was boxing from around nine or ten years old and won my first championship at 12 after two fights in one night," John said.
"Shamrock Boxing Club was established in 1998 and we have some exciting plans to expand.
"As soon as Shamrock is re-established in its own gym, all former boxers, coaches, trainers and associates will be welcome to return along with new members."
Further information on the location and expansion of Shamrock Boxing Gym will be announced in 2022 - John is currently considering a documentary on Seamus's comeback journey.
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.
