Kickboxer ready to wrangle world rivals after state title win

LIGHTWEIGHT kickboxer Wade Sciberras has smashed the goal of earning a state title win and is now looking to take on more challengers.

Amateur kickboxer Wade Sciberras of Emu Heights has experienced his first state title win. Picture: Matthew Sullivan

KICKBOXER Wade Sciberras has smashed another goal and picked up an Amateur State K1 Champion belt.

In his seventh fight to date, held on May 28, the 20-year-old from Emu Heights delivered fast and clean shots to his opponent, also a state champion.

“It was an awesome fight. It is probably my best performance so far,” Wade said.

The hungry lightweight is eyeing off the World Kickboxing Federation’s World Championships in Italy in November, but he needs sponsorship.

“A lot of people didn’t think I would beat this guy,” he said.

Sciberras sporting his new belt in the Ultimate Training Centre’s sparring ring. Picture: Matthew Sullivan

“There are now opportunities to fight local guys but I want to fight overseas; you get more exposure and better experience.”

A WKF president scouted Wade in 2014 who urged him to compete in Prague that year, but the Sciberras family did not raise enough money in time.

Former world champion Steve Sciberras, Wade’s father and trainer, said this year his son has been given more opportunities.

“I got a call from the WKF president who said he’s marked Wade to fight in Europe in July,” Mr Sciberras said.

He said the federation suggested the strong competitor also take on challengers in Papua New Guinea in October.

“If we can make it happen it is all perfect preparation for the World Championships.”

Wade Sciberras works full time but still trains either five or six days a week. Picture: Matthew Sullivan

But the cost of being an amateur and buying your own gear is tough, Mr Sciberras said.

The men mix up Wade’s five to six days of training a week and alternate between home and Ultimate Training Centre in St Marys, where Wade is invited to spar against other men by head coach Lincoln Hudson.

Wade, who is locked in for two more state fights, wants to be a professional kickboxer in the future.

“I think that dreams pick people and so my dream picked me,” he said.

For the young athlete, the strict diets, training schedules, and constantly putting his body on the line is all worth it.

Wade Sciberras with trainer, and father, former world champion Steve Sciberras. Picture: Matthew Sullivan

“(Kickboxing) is not a team thing. You are the only one out there, the only one who can do the training, the things behind the scenes,” Wade said.

“To go out there and win, it is the best feeling.”

Hoping to get to where his father did in the sport, Wade said having Mr Sciberras right there with him along the way was “a blessing”.

“Before the fight Dad really pumps me up and gives me the motivational speech, but I think the best thing he says is ‘just relax’.”

“Then I take a breath, which is good, because when I relax I am at my best.”

An online Facebook page has been set up for Wade Sciberras.

The young fighter desperately wants to compete overseas but needs sponsorship money to get there. Picture: Matthew Sullivan