BOXER Clay Waterman has proved his mettle in the ring at last night’s Commonwealth Games quarter-final.
The 22-year-old athlete emerged victorious after three rounds against Zambia’s Mbachi Kaonga.
Waterman’s mother Anita Harris said last night’s fight could not be compared to his bout against Scotland’s Sean Lazzerini on March 9.
“It was a completely different fight,” she said.
“Sometimes fighters fly in and throw little panic punches that can cause injury.
Ms Harris said her son was an experienced fighter who knew how to adapt to his opponent’s style, with the general aim of making it to the finals unhurt.
“Clay is strong and direct – he generally hits his target but he wouldn’t like to face the finals with an unnecessary injury.”
She said the family was excited for Waterman.
“I think I’m still in a bit of a bubble at the moment, I would dearly love to see him achieve his Commonwealth Games goals,” she said.
“He already has his bronze medal secured and the next fight will be for silver and a shot at the gold medal in the finals.
“We will see what happens on Friday but we are used to waiting for that final bell.”
Beaudesert-born Waterman was just nine-years-old when he started boxing.
His family moved to Loganlea while he was still a child and he trained at Jimboomba and in Beenleigh.
