Navy's Boxer
29 November 2007
Training for a world title comeback is hard enough, but for lightweight boxing champion, Lincoln Stewart, it is tougher than most right now.
As a LS Combat Systems Operator onboard HMAS Adelaide (II), Lincoln has to fit his training regime around defence watches, manning weapons systems and general daily tasks. When Lincoln is not in the ship's Operations Room, he can be found working out in the ship's gym or in the helicopter hangar. The main sparring area onboard is the ship's flight deck, where the constant rolling of the ship, uneven hard surface and the blazing tropical sun would discourage anyone but the determined.
The 28 year old from Lillydale, Victoria, has been boxing since the age of 12, but took a five year hiatus after an injury. Climbing his way back up the ranks, Lincoln has taken a recent victory in Melbourne and hopes to be in the 'top-ten' by early 2008.
Lincoln is lucky to able to spar against the up and coming boxer, AB Bevan Osborn and under the guidance of the ship's Physical Training co-ordinator, Lincoln adheres to a rigid training program and diet whilst onboard.
Lincoln's diet means no carbohydrates after 1300, no soft drinks, snack-foods and no alcohol - a challenge when the sailors around you are scoffing "goffas", "maccas" and enjoying their evening beer issue. A regular sleep pattern is also a challenge when you are a part of a duty watch and sharing a mess with over forty other sailors, onboard the RAN's premier warship.
When Adelaide is not participating in a "high-tempo" military exercise, Lincoln has to fight the temptation of shore leave in exotic foreign ports such as Phuket and Singapore, using his will power to concentrate on his training.
With the Navy's support, Lincoln travelled to Melbourne in October, five weeks prior to the fight, to hone his skills and undertake strict training with Professional Trainer Brian Levier, who runs a Boxing academy in the foothills of the Dandenong ranges.
The 'in-camp' time requires Lincoln to undertake three training sessions a day; a 7.5 km run in the morning, a 1.5 km swim at mid-day, and a 2-3 hr spar, skip and box in the afternoon.
The day before his big fight saw the all-important 'Weigh In' conducted. It was important for Lincoln to be ranked at the Junior Welter Weight Level, which qualifies a maximum of 63.5kg, he came in at 63.4kg.
The morning of 16th November, fight day, saw Lincoln nervous; after all it had been five years since he had fought competitively. Spending the day at his hotel, Lincoln relaxed by fuelling up on Carbohydrates, salts and sugars as he had only consumed minimal food, water and nutrient supplements prior to the initial weigh in.
"I knew that going into the fight with anxiety and nerves would be my biggest problem, keeping a "cool-head" would be a challenge" said Lincoln. "My trainer had studied my opponent in depth and determined that he was a slow starter and possessed a very open guard."
"Once the bell rang, I put the pressure on him early. In the first minute I punched straight and hard, and caught him on the chin which resulted in a "Standing '8' Count". Being a good finisher, I made it hard for my opponent to recover from the initial punches and I continued to wear him down. The ringside doctor intervened and the referee stopped the fight 2 mins 35 secs into the round. I'd won on a TKO - Technical Knockout."
Lincoln's future is looking very promising. His trainer has been in contact with the President of the World Boxing Foundation and they are currently negotiating a World Title Fight. In the meantime, Lincoln is facing four to five fights in the near future. Starting in February next year, Lincoln aims to further develop his stamina for future 12 round bouts, leading to a possible title fight in 2009.
Lincoln will post into HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, in January 2008. He will continue to seek "Elite Sports" status through the Navy, where if awarded, will give him the maximum support in training and time-off to pursue his boxing aspirations. "The demand of an intense six week training period prior to each fight requires the support of the Navy. To date they have really come to the party and supported me in my boxing ambitions," Lincoln said.
