NRL journeyman Jeremy Latimore teams up with Team Tszyu trainer, Mark Gambin, for professional boxing debut

The former NRL journeyman could be in line for a spot on a No Limit card later this year, and there’s one piece of advice from a crucial member of Team Tszyu that he had to take on.

“You have to take it seriously because this stuff lives on YouTube forever.”

That was the one piece of advice Tim and Nikita Tszyu’s trainer and cut man Mark Gambin gave Jeremy Latimore when the former NRL journeyman asked for a fight earlier this year.

After a two-month training camp, Latimore will make his professional boxing debut against heavyweight Alex Ale at Condell Park on Saturday night.

If it goes well, the 182-game forward could be in line for a spot on a No Limit footy fight night card – possibly against Jason Saab – later in the year.

Latimore has kept fit since hanging up the boots in 2019 and after being introduced to Gambin through mutual friend Luke Lewis, he soon began asking for a fight.

“I just brushed him aside at first,” Gambin said. “Everyone says the same thing about wanting a fight.

“We were doing pad work once or twice a week and he just kept pressing me and pressing me.

“About two months ago I rang (promoter) Paul Nasari and asked if he had anything.

“He goes, ‘Yep, I’ve got someone’ and next thing you know we’re on.”

Latimore in training camp with Mark Gambin. Picture: Supplied/Instagram

The heavyweight bout will be fought over four three-minute rounds under professional rules with 10 ounce gloves and no headgear at The Grand Vaudeville.

It could be an audition for the 37-year-old to get on a No Limit card later in the year.

“He wants to give it a good go and down the line he wouldn’t mind challenging another footy player,” Gambin said.

“Jason Saab fought last year and there are a few other guys as well.

“If he gets out of this one clean, I think he’ll go again.”

Latimore retired from the NRL in 2019 after 182 first grade matches. Matt King/Getty Images

Gambin wouldn’t have taken Latimore on if he didn’t think he could succeed.

“He’s been really impressive,” the trainer said. “He doesn’t take the piss out of it. He’s been sparring twice a week and really dedicating himself to it.

“I said to him, ‘You have to take it seriously because this stuff lives on YouTube forever’.

“Since then we’ve gone to another level and, mate, he hits like a train.”

No Limit is rumoured to be putting on a footy fight night towards at the end of the year and its CEO George Rose said Latimore had already been in touch.

“I’ve heard from big Lats quite a bit,’’ Rose said. “He’s been reaching out trying to get a fight for a while.

“He’s been training with Mark and he’s in incredible shape – he’s deadset shredded.

“If he can handle the pressure of getting in the ring and putting on a good performance ... it’s a huge challenge for anyone.”

Latimore played against Rose numerous times in the NRL and lined up alongside George’s brother Trent for the Wentworthville Magpies in the late 2000s.

Rose said the only trouble was finding someone to fight him.

“One of his problems is that no one hates him. He’s too nice!” he said.

“He’s a very likeable bloke but if there’s someone out there that deadset hates him, anything’s possible.”

Originally published as NRL journeyman Jeremy Latimore teams up with Team Tszyu trainer, Mark Gambin, for professional boxing debut