Michael Chrara claims King of the Ring and Pan-Pacific Games masters titles
After leaving a promising amateur boxing career behind to focus on his family, Michael Chrara is once again finding his footing in the ring - this time in the masters division.
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After leaving the ring behind to focus on his family, boxer Michael Chrara is having a career resurgence in the masters division.
The 40-year-old from North Parramatta took out the NSW King of the Ring competition in May, just a few months after being crowned champion at the 2018 Pan-Pacific Games.
It’s been a remarkable in-ring resurgence for the fighter from Get Smart Boxing Gym in North Rocks.
Eighteen years ago, Chrara left a promising amateur career behind to focus on his family following the birth of his son Ali.
Family became even more of a focal point when his younger son Nabil needed a liver transplant after being diagnosed with maple syrup urine disease - a condition which renders the body unable to properly process amino acids.
“My mindset was very much family-first,” Chrara said.
“Nabil was very sick growing up and I had to stop to make sure (he) and Ali were properly looked after.”
As both boys grew older, they began playing rugby league and as their footy careers flourished, so too did Chrara’s desire to get back in the ring.
“I wanted to help motivate my sons to keep fit,” he said.
“Three years ago I started it up again and I’ve b`een really enjoying it a lot.
“I’ve been training with both of them as well and, as a father, there’s not much more you can ask for than enjoying spending time with your kids.”
However boxing quickly developed into much more than just fatherly motivation.
“I wanted to compete for myself. I wanted to show that I’ve still got more in the tank,” he said.
“It’s tough- the pain is always there as you get older. But the mind is still there. As long as I’m keeping the mind fit and healthy, keeping motivated and thinking young then I know I’ll still have more to offer.”
Chrara is intent on showing that age is no barrier as long as you have the determination and motivation to succeed.
“I’m training for the Australian titles at the end of the year and I’m wanting to give it a good crack and take the gold,” he said.
“Hopefully after that I can take it all the way to the world masters.”
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