Brendon Wilson never expected to step into a boxing ring but the idea of preparing for a bout both physically and mentally was something which intrigued him.
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So when his good mate and fellow Dubbo-based senior constable Mark Wallace offered him the chance to attend the 2017 NSW Police Boxing Fight Night he jumped at it.
The event, which raises funds for the NSW Police Legacy and PCYC NSW, was held at North Sydney late last month and both Wallace and Wilson won their respective bouts.
Wallace, who’s father Graham assists Robert ‘Gummy’ Tomey at the Pound For Pound gym, attended the event last year and won there as well
“It was fairly nerve-wracking,” Wilson said of his debut bout. It was an enjoyable night.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever get in there but got the message in the morning from the organiser congratulating me on getting the chance to do something a lot of people say they’ll do but never get the chance.
“I was fairly nervous but when you get in there you take it as it comes.
Wilson and Wallace, both representing the Dubbo Constabulary, fought on a card which also featured high-profile businessman Mark Bouris.
Wilson won his bout in the second round via a TKO while Wallace won his bout in a split decision.
“I’ve been in around boxing for a long time through my dad and ‘Wilso’ has been a good mate for a long time,” Wallace said, before talking about the chance to train and prepare at Pound for Pound.
“This year I found it a lot better. Training was good and the opportunity and privilege to watch Gummy prepare.
“He’s on another level and it’s inspiring to see what he does and just things like dieting. He told me one night he hadn’t had a hot chip in five years and I didn’t have the heart to tell him I’d had hot chips for tea the night before.
“He’s just someone I look up to and the way he conducts himself and trains is inspirational and if you try and model yourself off that then you can’t go wrong.”
The preparation side of the sport of what attracted Wilson to accept the invitation and begin training.
“ I’ve always been interested in what’s required to prepare yourself, mainly mentally, and knowing you’ve got to get in there in front of people,” he said.
“That was the idea of going down and participating for me. Obviously it’s not the same preparation as professionals but it’s still there.”
The night, at the Norths Sydney league Club, attracted a huge number of high-profile guests including NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley and raised more than $100,000.