Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles nervous but proud when watching his son fight in the ring

If politics is a bare-knuckle fight, then Australia’s new Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has a secret weapon. His eldest son is a mixed martial arts fighter.

If politics is a bare-knuckle fight, then Australia’s new Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has a secret weapon.

His eldest son Sam is a mixed martial arts fighter.

The 25-year-old amateur boxer and personal trainer is the son of Mr Marles and his first wife, Victorian Police Minister Lisa Neville.

A champion junior golfer, he was taught the game by his father, who is also handy with the clubs.

New Deputy Labor PM Richard Marles with his wife Rachel Schutze and dogs Alfie and Betsy overlooking Geelong. Picture: Mark Wilson

But his mild-mannered dad, who became Deputy Prime Minister after Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party won last Saturday’s election, can’t claim credit for his son’s boxing or martial arts skills.

“I admit to a lot of nerves when I watch him fight but I’m extremely proud of him,’’ Mr Marles, the member for the Geelong-based seat of Corio, said.

Mr Marles pictured with a young Sam in his Yarra Street office.

Sam Marles works out of a gym in suburban Melbourne, and last year took part in an ABC podcast where he said he worked out every day and was “obsessed’’ with his sport.

“It’s just one sport where you’re totally in a moment, which I think is rare these days, especially with social media, phones – there’s always things trying to take your attention,’’ he said.

“So anytime you can do something where your attention is completely captured and you’re living in the moment, that’s a pretty special thing.”

Sam Marles, whose dad has just become the new Labor Deputy Prime Minister. Picture: Supplied

Richard Marles with son Sam by his first wife Lisa Neville and one of his three children with his second wife Rachel Schutze. Picture: Supplied

Richard Marles, sometimes dubbed the Mr Nice Guy of Australian politics, sticks to early-morning running and golf for his exercise regimen.

His son prefers sweating it out in the boxing ring, competing against other mixed martial arts fighters, and taking part in fitness retreats. A muscled, tattooed 77 kilograms, he uses social media to promote his sport, and in one post on Instagram discussed training others.

“The joys of teaching people the tools to protect themselves and others,’’ he wrote.

Mr Marles also has three younger children with his second wife, lawyer Rachel Schutze.

Originally published as Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles nervous but proud when watching his son fight in the ring