It’s been three months since Manny Vlamis left the ring in the Malvern Town Hall, victorious.
Before that, his boxing career was almost defunct. After a demoralising loss and two years off the scene, Vlamis needed that win more than he knew.
Now a new energised Vlamis is stepping back into the ring, fighting for a colossal comeback that will see him climb up the rankings once again.
Another win is what this second stab is all about, but Vlamis is creating quite a pipe dream in his head. As much as he is a realist, his new enthusiasm for the sport is something that has spurred him on to take on tougher competition.
On June 27, Vlamis will take on New Zealand number 10 ranked Light Heavyweight southpaw John Roil, a formidable opponent.
Four weeks ago, Roil did have a demoralising loss, but like many boxers before him, a loss becomes the best motivation to get back in a competitive position.
Vlamis has been keeping to his training regimen like clockwork, hoping there will be no weaknesses on the day that will see him come unstuck.
“Training is going well, I’ve dropped the weight, and I’ve been doing the extra stuff with my trainer Brian Leveir and I’ve been pretty happy with the preparation,” he tells Neos Kosmos.
“I do feel confident, I feel a little bit more relaxed than the last fight that I had because there was a big build-up.
“No doubt it will be a hard fight, he’s going to come down here to win, otherwise he wouldn’t be doing it.”
His nerves might be a little more in check, but for Vlamis, the past couple of months have been huge for him.
There hasn’t been as much time to prepare as he has hoped, since he welcomed a baby boy into the family.
With work commitments, the baby and training, there really hasn’t been any time for Vlamis to breathe.
“I’ve been a busy person,” he concludes.
Training with Brian Leveir, his game plan has been much the same, since it got him an impressive knock-out win last time.
His focus now rests on keeping things towards his favour in the ring. Like he did last time, he will be keeping things excruciatingly slow, to get as much out of his opponent, then hit him where it hurts.
Like every athlete, Vlamis will be banking on a win to fuel the fire in him to keep things going. He’s a bit coy at saying he wants to get back in the WBC international title race, but he is definitely keeping one eye open for the opportunity.
“I think we’re a few fights away, there are a couple of belts I’d be interested in doing but I need to get myself in a position to be more competitive,” he says.
His philosophy is simple.
“To get to the end goal, you’ve just got to keep winning.”
Manny Vlamis will take on John Roil on June 27 at the Malvern Town Hall. Tickets start from $50 and can be purchased at www.petermaniatis.com
Doors open 6.30 pm, with the first fight starting at 7.30 pm