Beaudesert boxer fighting fit for a busy year ahead

Porter is the Queensland State Champion in his junior 57 kilogram division and in his most recent tournament at East Side Boxing in August he had two fights, winning both easily.

Despite missing out on nationals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the champ said he had learned about patience and determination from boxing.

"I learned about discipline, only you can determine how well you do in the ring," he said.

Porter said he started boxing in 2015 and had formed a close bond with coach Justin O'Leary and other athletes at Beaudesert Boxing Club.

"Coming to this club has been good for me. It helps keep me fit but it's also a really great atmosphere.

"It makes you feel good to know that everyone here really supports you and wants you to do well."

The year 12 student said 2021 was also going to be a big year out of the boxing ring, as he prepares to start his final year of high school with the added responsibility of being the first Indigenous student to be elected school captain of Flagstone State Community College.

Porter said his favourite subjects were physics and maths, with his sights set on a career as a mechanical engineer in the Australian Defence Force.

"School will be busy for sure and I will also have final exams," he said.

"Competing in the Youth Commonwealth Games next year is a goal and I hope 2021 will also be a year of staying fit and fighting the best in the nation.

Meanwhile the fighter has embraced the importance of staying in shape.

"I only train three days a week in the off season and I usually keep fit by playing footy too," he said.

"The hardest thing is in the lead up to a fight not being able to eat whatever I like."

Porter, who has won 20 of his 31 bouts, said he did not follow a strict diet but had to be careful about portion size in order to maintain his weight before a fight.

"I'll be training every day except Sunday during fight season," he said. "But the food thing is probably the hardest part."

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