Girlfriend's lead at the gym becomes boxing reality for Maks - Toowoomba Chronicle

LOOKING AHEAD: Toowoomba boxer Maks Chylewski prepares for next week’s Australian Amateur Championships in Casino. Kevin Farmer

TWO years after being talked into joining his girlfriend at the gym, Toowoomba's Maks Chylewski is ready to try his luck in the ring against some of Australia's leading amateur boxers.

Chylewski's crack at the boxing big-time comes along at next week's Australian Amateur Championships in Casino.

The Richo's Boxing Gym representative will line up in the 67-71kg division, with trainer Brett Richards in his corner.

Chylewski has had six bouts for three wins, two losses and a draw.

He's decided next week is as good a time as any to now test himself against the best.

"This is a big step up for me," the 25-year-old electrician said.

"But I want to go and see if I can mix it with the best in Australia.

"You dream about winning.

"But my goal is to go there and give it my best.

"Whatever the result is, I want to be able to say I fought the best there is around and I gave it a real shot.

"You'll never know, if you don't give it a go."

Chylewski could be considered a late starter in the sport of boxing.

He began gym training two years ago and had his first fight last July.

He's now hooked on the sport.

"My girlfriend (Libby Driemel) actually got me started," Chylewski said. "She was keen on the gym and she asked one day why I didn't come along too.

"I didn't think much of it at the time, but I eventually thought why not and things went from there.

"I made a bit of a slow start but I gradually became more involved and finished up loving it.

"It's a great sport and I really enjoy the involvement.

"Richo is a great bloke and he really looks after his fighters.

"I enjoy the competition as well.

"Every fight I have I always have a beer with my opponents after the fight.

"It's a genuine sport.

"I've had six fights for three losses, including two against the same opponent a couple of weeks apart.

"I never thought much about Australian titles but Richo brought it up and I thought you only get a couple of chances at something like that, so why not."

Chylewski will also fight the main amateur bout on the November 15 Fight for Depression 3 event in Oakey.

FOURTEEN-year-old Cody Jackson will also represent Richo's Boxing Gym at next week's Australian titles.

GAME ON

Australian Amateur Titles

Casino, Ocober 17-18

MAKS CHYLEWSKI

Toowoomba, 67-71kg division

3 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw