COFFS Coast teenager Kaleb Pallas is proving his future in the boxing ring is more than just a dream after claiming his second amateur victory on the Gold Coast.
Fresh from his latest win, the 17-year-old from Woolgoolga has set his sights on representing Australia through the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games pathway while balancing life as an apprentice concreter.
Pallas trains under three coaches – Krongsak-Lek at Woolgoolga Boxing, Matt Watts at Coffs Harbour Boxing, and pad work trainer Andrew Cook – with his commitment extending well beyond the gym.
The Northern Storm men’s footballer regularly tackles the steep roads of Summit Estate in Coffs Harbour as part of his conditioning, believing boxing is won as much with the mind as the body.
“I do a lot of running, including running up the Summit Estate in Coffs Harbour as this is a great physical and mental challenge and I feel boxing is a mental game as much as a physical game,” Pallas said.
“I enjoy getting in the ring and putting my hard work on display. Once in the ring I feel it’s all up to me to do my trainers proud.”
While many fighters battle nerves before stepping through the ropes, Pallas embraces the occasion.
“I don’t really get nervous, but I do get excited as I just love the sport and the atmosphere,” he said.
Pallas credited his relentless pressure and superior fitness for his latest victory.
“I feel my latest win on the Gold Coast was due to my ability to put pressure on my opponent at the right time and my fitness levels were able to carry me through the rounds,” he said.
Having only recently celebrated his 17th birthday, Pallas believes his journey is only just beginning.
“I really want to follow my amateur boxing career into a Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games pathway,” he said.
“With my job as an apprentice concreter with MNH Coastal Concrete and my boxing keeping me fit, I feel this is just the start of something really great.”
With two wins already on his amateur record and lofty ambitions driving him forward, the determined Coffs Coast teenager is hoping every fight brings him one step closer to wearing the green and gold.
By David WIGLEY
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