PNG fighter eager to honour supporters
BOXING: Jeddy Kalambe is eager to find his way in the boxing world and he’s confident in Toowoomba he’s found the perfect place to start his journey.
It’s a long way from a village in the southern islands of his native Papua New Guinea to centre stage at Rumours International but that’s where the 22-year-old will find himself next month when he makes his professional boxing debut.
Kalambe will step into the ring with fellow pro debutant Josh Jordan on the huge TGW & Smith Bring The Big Fights 19 program.
The March 10 card which honours Toowoomba’s late boxing champion Brayd Smith is the city’s biggest annual boxing show.
Kalambe arrived in Toowoomba from Brisbane late last year to link with his uncle, improve his lifestyle and get serious about shaping a boxing career.
After linking with trainers Brendon Smith and Corban Kanaveilomani at Smithy’s Gym where his training partners include world and national champions Jack Asis and Brent Rice, Kalambe is primed for his belated entry into the square ring.
“My uncle lives in Toowoomba and I moved up
❝ I don’t want to disappoint the people who have helped me... — Jeddy Kalambe
here to get away from the big city,” Kalambe said.
“There were too many distractions down there which weren’t good for me and I’m enjoying my life better up here.
“I started out going with one of my mates to Corporate Box to do weight training before I started to get interested in boxing.
“I used to train myself and was self taught before I started working with Corban and Smithy when I moved up here.
“Boxing has humbled me a bit.
“It gives me something to look forward to of an afternoon when I finish work.
“I’m very much looking forward to my first fight now.
“I’ve working hard for it and I’m confident I’m ready.
“I don’t want to disappoint the people who have helped me get here.
“I want to make a statement on March 10 and I think I’m in the right camp to do it.”