Waikiki fighter primed for first pro bout

After more than 12 weeks of enduring a punishing training schedule, Waikiki boxer Linda Winmar is ripped and ready for her first appearance in the professional fight ring.

The 30-year-old will step up to fight in the Thunderdome XV event on Saturday night at Metro City and is ready to bring home the win.

“Boxing is something I have been passionate about for a long time and I know this is going to be a good fight,” Winmar said.

“There is something indescribable about stepping into the ring and experiencing the atmosphere of a professional fight.”

Winmar has always enjoyed boxing but decided to devote herself to the sport and work on her technique in her mid 20s.

“After I decided I really wanted to box, I got into shape and began to train hard,” she said.

“In the lead up to my first amateur fight I took some time off work to prepare and have been addicted ever since.”

With five amateur fights under her belt, Winmar heads into her first professional fight on the back of an intense training regimen she developed during many hours spent at the Fitness Fight Complex in Port Kennedy.

“Everything has been different in the lead-up to this fight,” she said.

“It’s about putting on a show, walking out to your song, fighting in your own outfit and, for the first time, not wearing any headgear.”

Standing at at 170cm,Winmar has been training up to three times a day to make the 60kg Super Featherweight division.

Fitness Fight Complex owner and former professional Dean Timms has been training Winmar for the bout and said he was confident she would win.

“I always ask 100 per cent from my fighters and Linda just gives more every time,” he said.

“She is so focused and dedicated to training and everything in her life.

“Even with all the stress that comes with preparing for a fight and the early mornings she has pushed on — I have been training for a long time and not many have shown her level of commitment.”

When she’s not working on her combinations, Winmar spends her time working as a personal trainer and mentoring young people in the community.

“I try to encourage youth to pursue what they are passionate about and to try to steer clear of drugs and alcohol,” she said.

“Getting to know the kids helps me help them to find direction in life through sport or something else that makes them happy.

“I love boxing because it always challenges me and I have a great coach supporting me so I want to help others find that challenge in their lives.”