Gnr Adam Lovelock has been training in Canberra for Olympic trails to be conducted next month. Photos by Gnr Shannon Joyce, 8/12 Mdm Regt

If looks could kill

By Gnr Shannon Joyce
YOUTHFUL hunger and raw boxing talent will be the driving forces behind the Federation Guard's Gnr Adam Lovelock, as he puts in the hard yards for his fight to take the middleweight representative spot for the Australian Olympic Team this year.

Gnr Lovelock has been boxing since the age of 10, following, as many do, in his old man's footsteps.

But his coach Don Abnett said it isn't just an early interest in boxing that has given Gnr Lovelock the potential to go all the way to Athens and even beyond.

"I've been working with Adam since before he joined the forces, when he was winning the NSW state championships three years straight [1997-1999], and the Australian title twice [1999-2000]," Mr Abnett said.

"But it's his commitment and professional attitude that first strikes you when you meet the young man, that makes you think hey, this guy's going to go all the way."

With his quiet temperament and reserved opinions, this genuine natured athlete could easily be mistaken for a younger Kosta Zyu.

"I've met him [Kosta Zyu] at an Australian Institue of Sport training camp, and he's a really nice bloke," Gnr Lovelock said.

"He's really down to earth and that's good to see in this sport."

In his third year of ADF service, he admits that unlike some other boxing identities he prefers to let his fists do the fighting, not his mouth.

"There are those who love the limelight and play to it accordingly," he said.

"It's all just part of the sport.

"I just like keeping my head down, and gloves up."

Gnr Lovelock said after his most recent win at last year's NT State Title he's glad to be back into a regular training regime.

"At the end of March I have to fight for either gold or silver to get into the Oceanic Games [at Tonga in May]. From there I have to win gold to represent Australia at the Olympic Games."

Training for two-and-a-half hours, six days a week, with three two-session days, it isn't hard to do the math on Gnr Lovelock's future as an up and coming Australian boxing great.

Titles Currently Held:

ACT Champion
Southern Districts Champion
NSW State Champion
AABL National Champion

Title Wins:

PCYC Champion 1997
Southern Zone Champion 1996, 97, 98, 99
NSW State Champion 1997, 1998, 1999
Australian Champion 1999, 2000
ACT State Champion 2004

Stats:

47 fights for 36 wins

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