Fortus Team Gym co-owner and Commonwealth Games boxer Terry Nickolas helped produce nine state champions, as his club becomes SA’s best

A Marleston boxing gym has taken out SA’s best metropolitan club award for a third consecutive year – its fourth win in total.

Young boxers Milan 10, Armando 14, and Zayden 6, with Australian Commonwealth Games boxer Terry Nickolas at Fortus Team Gym. The gym won SA’s best metropolitan club award for a third consecutive year. Picture: AAP/Brenton Edwards

A MARLESTON boxing gym has taken out SA’s best metropolitan club award for a third consecutive year – its fourth win in total.

But Fortus Team Gym co-owner and 2018 Commonwealth Games team member Terry Nickolas is sure the club isn’t punching above its weight.

Boxing SA presented the club with its award this month at its annual awards day.

“We had a massive year with the boys from our gym – 53 fights with 40 wins and 13 losses,” Nickolas, 26, says.

“There were nine state champions from the juniors to open elite from our club, two Australian champions and I represented the country at the Commonwealth Games in April.

“Everyone has worked so hard as a team and I am just so proud of the guys.”

Terry Nickolas with his grandfather Eleftherios Falidis after returning home from the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Nickolas, of Ascot Park, started boxing when he was 16 with his uncle, Paul Panos, to help steer him away from mixing with the wrong crowd.

He has not looked back since.

He quit his job at a printing factory about four years ago to help grow the club and dedicate himself to boxing.

“My dad sent me to the gym with my uncle because I was getting into a bit of trouble and ever since my first (boxing) session I’ve never stopped,” he says.

“I take boxing pretty seriously and I love the hard training and the work you have to put it to get into the ring to fight.

“There are a couple of kids that come to the gym who are trying to find their way but they always give 100 per cent and I think boxing gives them that direction.

“Hopefully I am a bit of a role model for them.”

Terry Nickolas pictured during his preparations for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Picture: AAP/James Elsby

Nickolas finished fifth in the 69kg welterweight division at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games after losing a 4-1 decision to India’s dual Olympian, Manoj Kumar.

But missing out on a podium finish has only spurred him to taste success, starting with earning selection for the World Championships in September.

His long-term goal is to make the 2020 Olympics team.

“It’s about never giving up and never losing sight of your dreams,” Nickolas says.

“Last year’s Commonwealth Games experience was amazing and it’s made me want to do it all over again on a bigger stage.”