In Conversation with Melbourne based boxing talent
In Conversation with Melbourne based boxing talent: Siobhan, Nick, Rahma & Daniel
@SIOBHANCARRUTHERS
1. Full name & which gym do you train out of?
Siobhán Carruthers, and I train out of Tribute Boxing in Melbourne.
2. How long have you been boxing?
I’ve been boxing for about 4-5 years now.
3. Have you had a fight? If so how many/record if you wish to share?
Not yet, but aiming to get one in the books soon!
4. What are your goals with boxing?
Besides challenging myself with preparing and competing in a fight, my goals with boxing are to keep testing myself and see how much faster, stronger and more precise I can get. Boxing is a whole body movement, and every little detail counts and I love challenging myself each time I’m in the ring.
5. Why did you start boxing & how has it shaped you as a person?
Two reasons:
- I started because of my dad. He was a champion kick boxer back in the day, and after training in Muay Thai with him for a bit, I got stuck into boxing and haven’t left
- I used to compete in Irish dancing, and for a really long time I constantly had something that mentally and physically pushed me. After I stopped, I missed having that, and boxing is a sport that will constantly keep that finish line out in front of you, egging you on for that extra little bit, which is addicting for me! There’s always something to work on and it’s taught me different levels of discipline that I carry through other parts in my life.
6. What’s the biggest misconception with boxing
That you have to be big and tough, otherwise you won’t have the ‘aggression’ for it. People are always surprised when I tell them I box, because I’m definitely not a big or tough looking person!
I’ve got friends who are half my size and they’re absolute beasts as soon as those wraps and gloves go on.
7. What kind of boxing training is your favourite?
I love speed and footwork, which is probably because of the dancing days! Coming in and out and changing angles so your opponent can’t predict where you’re coming from as easily is challenging and requires a lot of ring IQ, but I always have fun when I’m doing it.
But I would love to start focusing more in coming in harder and doing the close range work.
8. If you could give any advice to someone starting out boxing what would it be?
You’ll most likely feel super awkward when you start, and that’s 100% fine. Everyone has that feeling of trying to find their balance in those first few sessions, but stick with it because it’s worth it! So my advice would be to find a gym that’s welcoming and supportive and who have members that are likeminded in creating a fun and supportive community. It makes a massive difference when you have people around you who understand what it’s like and can help guide and push you.
And just enjoy it, because you’ll get addicted to it in no time and some of the best people I know, and who I now call family, have come out of the boxing gym’s I’ve trained at.
@NICKYJSWH
1. Full name & which gym do you train out of?
Nicky J White, fought out of Murphy's Boxing Gym (MBG) in Surrey Hills, currently searching for a new home base
2. How long have you been boxing?
Been boxing since 2019 (roughly 5 years)
3. Have you had a fight? If so how many/record if you wish to share?
Yes, 4 fights, 2 wins, 2 losses
4. What are your goals with boxing?
Have fun and challenge myself
5. Why did you start boxing & how has it shaped you as a person?
Started boxing due to the passing of a close friend, this pushed me into a dark place and I decided to drag myself out (or punch myself out, rather)
6. What’s the biggest misconception with boxing
I believe the biggest misconception is the aim of the sport, different for everyone of course, but I feel as though the sport has much more to offer than just entertainment/money/fighting. So far boxing has done so much for me as a male, in a a family full of males who struggle to discuss their mental health. Boxing allowed me to express and deal with my emotions in a different manner. I was forced to confront the weakness and doubt that was present in my way of thinking. Intead of lying down and letting life beat the shit out of me, I decided to stand up and fight, quite literally for my mental health.
7. What kind of boxing training is your favourite?
All types of training are my favourite.
8. If you could give any advice to someone starting out boxing what would it be?
My advice to someone starting boxing would be roll with the punches. The sport is not always FUN, you will win, you will lose, you will laugh, you will cry, you will bleed, you will probably get hurt but it is all of this that makes the sport what it is. Enjoy the ride!!
@SOLIBET
1. Full name & which gym do you train out of?
Rahma Soliman
Prestige Gym
2. How long have you been boxing?
I’ve been boxing since I was 13 so about 8 years now
3. Have you had a fight? If so how many/record if you wish to share?
I’ve never fought unfortunately but If the opportunity was to present itself, I would love to do so.
4. What are your goals with boxing?
I’d love to fight but I’m not too fixated on it. I think for the length I’ve been boxing it’s just become apart of my life to the point where I genuinely feel lost at times when I’m not boxing. So as long as I’m able and fit to train, I’m not too phased by the end result.
5. Why did you start boxing & how has it shaped you as a person?
I started boxing because my brother joined a boxing gym and I just went along with him. It’s definitely shaped who I am especially because I’ve been doing it for so long. At times when I’m not training so consistently I find myself honestly a bit lost, and when I’m back to it everything about my life feels realigned and calm.
6. What’s the biggest misconception with boxing?
People often think that with fighting sports they’re very aggressive, I mean to an extent they have to be but I do believe that a much larger aspect is just discipline. Particularly the discipline to be calm when you’re faced with a potentially really difficult opponent. And of course to exercise the discipline in all other aspects of your life.
7. If you could give any advice to someone starting out boxing what would it be?
To commit fully. Also to really understand what u want from it. I think boxing has the potential to be so much more than just a helping hand for one’s fitness goals, so to really deep that and know the extent of what you can get out of it is important.
@DANIEL.CIPRIAN_
1. Full name & which gym do you train out of?
My name is Daniel Ciprian and I've been training out of Prestige Gym since I've started boxing, and when visiting family in Hong Kong I train out of DEF boxing.
2. How long have you been boxing?
I have been boxing for a total of 3 and a half years
3. Have you had a fight? If so how many/record if you wish to share?
I have had 10 amateur bouts since I had my first fight 2 years ago.
4. What are your goals with boxing?
My long-term goal in boxing has always been the pursuit of winning a world title belt and breaking into the top 10 of the lightweight division by the end of my career. I understand that this ambition might seem unrealistic, perhaps even delusional, given my late start at 19 years old and now turning 22. However, I am fully committed to making it a reality. To achieve this, I must first accomplish my short-term goals, such as winning the Golden Gloves in 2025 and securing a state title. I am doing everything in my power to close the gap created by my late entry, training every day, and pushing myself mentally and physically on all fronts. Apart from these goals during my boxing career itself, I can see myself continuing to be a part of the industry beyond the ring itself, whether that's through teaching the youth, or opening up my own gym after retirement.
5. Why did you start boxing & how has it shaped you as a person?
I started boxing for mental escape and freedom. Growing up I had a lot of built up anger, so boxing became that exit of energy, a cathartic almost therapeutic release that helped me in ways I never thought it could. That outlet prevented me from taking it out on other people and allowed me to cope with life in a more healthy manner. Boxing also instilled confidence in me. Walking into a room, knowing myself as a person who was passionate and could outwork others gave me a sense of security and pride. For me boxing also became about carrying that relentless mentality to better myself in every aspect of life, be it friendships, relationships, and family. Honestly, I don't think I would feel satisfied or fulfilled doing anything else. I can't see myself in any other pursuit, and I'm incredibly grateful to have found boxing. Without it, I'm not sure where I'd be or what I'd be doing. Boxing is my outlet from the stress and noise of the world. It gives me calmness and is a way of expressing my own pain. Specifically, considering personal struggles and trauma growing up. Boxing has wholeheartedly become something I love, and a sport where that whole notion of why is the reason I do this in the first place.
6. What’s the biggest misconception with boxing?
One of the biggest misconceptions about boxing is that being in shape automatically means you're in boxing shape. The truth is that the level of conditioning you need for boxing is something you will only find out about once you start sparring and find yourself in the longest 3 minutes of your life. Another common misconception is that boxing is purely about aggression. While it is a combat sport, it’s not just about throwing punches—it's about strategy, mental sharpness, and ring IQ. It’s a lot like chess, where understanding the game, anticipating your opponent's moves, and making calculated decisions are crucial. These are skills that only come with experience.
7. What kind of boxing training is your favourite?
For me my favourite part of boxing training is sparring, as I am sure is the case for most people. I don't feel as if there is anything that can truly replace it in terms of preparing yourself for a fight and getting a reality check on your flaws. Simultaneously, when sparring people who are better, all your bad habits and mistakes come to light, and only then you find out what you need to work on.
8. If you could give any advice to someone starting out boxing what would it be?
If you’re new to boxing, the most important advice I can give is to let down your ego and be humble. Boxing is a tough sport, and it demands respect, not just for the sport itself but for your coach and your team. It’s crucial to approach every session with the mindset that this won’t be easy, but with humility and respect. I feel as if this allows you to progress far quicker, where the fighters who do so are the ones who are able to level up their game.
