Boxer makes big move to Bunbury to get ahead

An opportunity to become a professional boxer was the reason behind Alex Hanan uprooting his life and moving from New Zealand to Bunbury.

On April 8 the 18-year-old will begin to live out his dream, when he makes his professional debut at the Eaton Recreation Centre for Denning Boxing Gym’s Fight Night.

The three-time New Zealand national champion and two-time Australian Golden Glove silver medallist heard about Denning Boxing Gym and decided the move to Bunbury was needed to further his career.

“I heard Stokesy (coach Peter Stokes) was a good pro coach,” Hanan said.

“I knew he had Brandon (Ogilvie) and Cheeks (Nathaniel May) under him.

“I came over for a holiday originally and basically based myself here with Pete, now the rest is history.

“Sacrifices had to be made.”

Hanan said the training in Bunbury had already made him a better boxer, despite being here for just over two months.

“With the pros there is more rounds, so I have to work on my punches, make them count and learn to conserve energy,” he said.

“I am learning to think a bit more.”

Hanan said he always wanted to be a professional fighter and he was ready for the next phase of his career.

“The rounds have been done, the track work is over and now it is time,” he said.