BOXING champ Sam Soliman reckons he was able to kill three birds with one stone yesterday.
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Soliman was the star attraction at a fund-raiser for Warrnambool road accident victim Bryn Murfett which drew about 300 people to a packed Flying Horse Bar and Brewery.
“Number one I’m here for Bryn,” he said.
“I’m here because I have to keep myself in great shape. And I’m here for the future champions of Australia as I was once one of these kid’s boats.
“The support for Bryn is why Australia is the best country in the world.”
Soliman used ice buckets to keep cool before he took to the ring and said he was looking forward to his sparring rounds with publican and South Warrnambool football coach Matt Monk.
“They say size doesn’t matter, that may not always be true when it comes to the Monk,” he said.
He also sparred with boxers from Geelong and surrounds before taking on, police officer Lee Porter, former Dennington coach Darcy Lewis, Merrivale’s Joe Woonton and Terang Mortlake’s Brendan Silk.
Soliman, a regular visitor to Rodney Ryan’s gym, said he was in the best shape of his life. “It may sound stereotypical but at 40 I couldn’t be in any better shape and I wish I knew back then what I know now about fitness and condition,” he said.
Mr Murfett and his partner Carley Hickman said they were overwhelmed by the support they had received.
They thanked everyone who turned out for the event especially Soliman, Mr Ryan and Mr Monk.
“It has been a big weekend for us,” Ms Hickman said.
Boxing for Bryn co-organiser and boxer Luci Hand said she was delighted with the crowd numbers.
“It’s just exactly what we wanted,” she said.
“You see Bryn out and about and he’s just so happy and positive.
“There couldn’t be a better cause.”