Big waves to big hits
‘Dingo’ to mix it up in the ring
DEAN ‘Dingo’ Morrison is stepping into the boxing ring – and says just like big wave surfing there “is nowhere to hide”.
The Gold Coast surfer has signed up for the King of the Coast challenge, which will pit 24 boxing novices against in each in the ring for three, two-minute rounds.
Morrison, 36, has started 10 weeks of boxing and fitness training for the fight night scheduled in December.
“It is very similar to surfing big waves – there is nowhere to hide and you are all by yourself,” Morrison told the Bulletin.
“You have to face a lot of things and you have to overcome them personally.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a show, it will be a cool experience, facing what you fear the most. The main thing for me is I enjoy learning and having fun with it.”
Coast-based boxing professional and former US prime time star Michael Katsidis is training up the amateurs while Australian super heavyweight Masters Games gold medallist Jack Boote is looking after the fitness side.
Just a few spaces are left, with training – three nights and three mornings a week – starting two weeks ago.
The sessions are at Palm Beach Currumbin Boxing Club with the proceeds from the glitzy December fight night going towards the club’s amateur boxing wing.
Mr Boote said just four spaces were left and the 20 who had signed up so far spanned builders, sports stars and professionals.
Brisbane-based Dan Hannay, a criminal lawyer and son of fellow legal eagle Gold Coast boxing supporter Chris Hannay, has signed up.
It cost $2000 for those wanting to take part, covering the training sessions.
Morrison, who started boxing training for fitness about 18 months ago, said his main focus was keeping his composure, being in the moment and trying to pick his shots.
“You just have do your best. It’s not like you are getting held under water so it can’t be that bad in the ring.
“My biggest worry is being in there with nowhere to hide against someone who can really hurt you – and then you are just trying to run around for six minutes.”