New Collaroy champion says boxing saved him from a jail cell

RISING Collaroy fighter Ishamael Liaina says he would be wallowing in a prison cell right now if had not discovered his passion for boxing.

Heavyweight boxer Ishamael Liaina dedicates title win to his stillborn son. Also pictured with trainer Tom Lambert.

RISING Collaroy fighter Ishamael Liaina says he would be wallowing in a prison cell right now if had not discovered his passion for boxing.

The 22-year-old claimed the Central Coast Super Heavyweight title at the Doyalson Wyee RSL Club last weekend stopping his opponent in the second round.

Bur he knows his life could easily have ended up in more unpleasant circumstances.

While living in Brisbane Liaina’s life was spiralling out of control which culminated in spending a frightening two months on remand in 2010.

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“I was destined for a life behind bars,” Liaina admitted.

Heavyweight boxer Ishamael Liaina works out with trainer Tom Lambert at North Narrabeen’s KicksStart Gym.

“It made me think a lot about where I was going and put everything into perspective.”

Upon his release Lianna’s concerned mum Andy sent her wayward son to love with his aunt on the northern beaches to start afresh.

And his redemption began when he went to a sparring session at the KickStart in North Narrabeen with the uncle of his partner, Taela.

“He left early but I stayed right till the end and I knew this is what I want to do,” Liaina said.

“Ever since I came to the gym boxing is that is what has kept me on a straight path.”

Liana has revealed how a personal tragedy provided him with the inspiration for his title fight.

In January he and Taela lost their son Manu to a stillbirth.

“I wanted to do all this for my son and I dedicated my belt to him,” he said.

After the fight he made a moving speech which affected everyone in the crowd.

Heavyweight boxer Ishamael Liaina dedicated his title belt to his stillborn son.

He had only had three weeks to prepare for the fight and under the guidance of trainer TomLambert he shed 10kg to step into the ring at 110kg.

“Ish asked me if I could set up a fight for him in order to focus on something positive and pull him out of his deep sadness and pain” Lambert said.

”I am very proud of him, I have seen what a frustrated troubled kid he was two years ago and how he has turned into a mature responsible adult.”

And there was no one at ringside prouder than his mum Andy.