Geraldton boxer Eric Kyanga attends AIS Indigenous camp in Canberra on journey to further Olympic aspirations

A Geraldton boxer with dreams of wearing the green and gold has had his first taste of the next level, training at the Australian Institute of Sport earlier this month.

It was Boxing Australia’s first National Indigenous Development Camp, which saw local talent Eric Kyanga, along with 15 other boxers from across the nation, stay and train at the facility as part of a commitment to building up Indigenous talent.

According to the AIS, the camp provided an opportunity for boxers to not only train with some of the best young talent in the country, but to create bonds and educate athletes on the networks available.

Kyanga said it was a rewarding experience.

“It was good, everyone there made it comfortable, not making fun of you,” he said.

“It’s the coaches - a lot good advice and willingness to help.”

Among the athletes was Olympian and 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Callum Peters.

The two were able to spar with each other, where Kyanga said learning from one of the country’s best was valuable.

“He (Peters) was a great guy, and so easy to talk to,” he said.

“He’s just very positive all round, and he helped me a lot.

“He made me realise that fitness and hard work go a long way.”

Kyanga has trained under Jake Peacock at Peacocks Boxing Gym since 2021, after starting in the sport at the PCYC “to lose some weight”.

Peacock said he saw a bright future in his student.

“I can see his talent, but I want him to see it and believe in it,” he said.

“I believe he can represent Australia, but it just comes down to work ethic.”

For Peacock, he believed kids coming through the door to train looked up to Kyanga as kids did in the 2000s for Olympian Anthony Little.

Kyanga hoped to follow in the footsteps of “Blueboy” in competing for his country at the Olympic Games.