Teen takes on training
Corban Kanaveilomani is a young man with an older head on his shoulders.
While just about all 18 year olds involved with boxing would be developing their craft with the gloves on, Kanaveilomani is learning how to better teach the intricacies of the sweet science.
The Toowoomba teen just turned 18 and took no time in gaining accreditation as an Australian National Boxing Federation professional trainer.
Trainers have to be 18 before they can become pro trainers and Kanaveilomani jumped straight into the challenge after starting his apprenticeship under Brendon Smith.
“I’ve been in the gym full-time with Brendon since about last year, the beginning of 2016. So I’ve been full-time with Brendon just helping with pads,” Kanaveilomani said.
“I’ve still been taking fighters away, but just officially on my birthday, I got my licence as an official ANBF registered coach.”
Kanaveilomani first walked into Smithy’s TGW Gym at Newtown as a 12 year old looking to lose weight after being bullied at school.
He stepped into the ring and fought as a amateur during his teens before asking Smith if he could help out training other boxers.
That started his path to training and soon he was working with star Jack Asis ahead of his world title fight in 2015.
“Straight in the deep end. I think it’s the best way to learn and I’m glad Brendon just chucked us straight into it,” Kanaveilomani said.
“It was a bit daunting at first being so young. These guys have been doing it since I was two and three years old.
“It was daunting at first but all of the boys have been more than willing to work with me and it has really helped.”
Smith has trained multiple world champions including Asis and Michael Katsidis during his 30 years in the game and he has a high opinion of his protege.
“He’s been working with the boys in here for quite some time now. He’s way ahead of his age. For an 18-year-old, he’s a very, very mature young man,” Smith said.
“Not only will he be a great role model for our sport, I believe Corb is destined for great things.”
Kanaveilomani has life experience ahead of his age and addressed the launch of News Corp’s Reconciliation Action Plan last year.
His experiences and ability to communicate will be assets as a young trainer aiming to see whether he can reach the top of his field.
“I’ll just see where it goes. Hopefully train a world champion,” he said.