Sport
2 March, 2023
Dunlop ready for established pro
Cam Dunlop is not one to shy away from a challenge. Balancing a job at the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) as a civil construction worker, a young family and an ambition to go pro in Muay Thai boxing, Dunlop says he’s ready to make an...
Cam Dunlop is not one to shy away from a challenge.
Balancing a job at the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) as a civil construction worker, a young family and an ambition to go pro in Muay Thai boxing, Dunlop says he’s ready to make an impact in his first professional fight on Saturday night against Keelan Scott in the Rebellion Muay Thai Roots series at the Melbourne Pavillion.
“I feel really good. It’s my pro debut, and Keelan has had seven fights already. I was undefeated as an amateur, but I plan on keeping it that way going through my pro career,” he said.
It’s been a long time coming for Dunlop.
He’s been undefeated in his amateur career, and was ready to make the step up in 2020.
But then, COVID hit.
“I tried to go pro previously during COVID, but all my plans changed when shows kept getting cancelled. There would be times when they were cancelled on weigh-in day, after eight weeks of hard training. It was pretty daunting, but I sort of chilled out a little bit after that, trained a little bit here and there, and focused on family life,” Dunlop said.
“At the start of the year, though, I saw that there were shows coming up, and now that everything has calmed down, I thought I’d have a go. “It’s been a long time coming. I was late starting competing as an amateur, but after doing well there, I was over it and just wanted to go pro. COVID took a few years off me, so I’m just looking to come out and make a statement in this fight.”
Dunlop will be fighting in the 73 kilogram division category — one that he’s enjoyed training for compared to previous efforts as an amateur, where he’s had to fight at 69 kilograms.
“There was a lot of training. I would do it twice a day — once in the morning for about half an hour after I woke up early, going on the bike or for a run, and then I would train for about two and a half hours or three hours at night after work. I work full-time as well,” he said.
“Basically, getting down to the weight was through a lot of diet and a lot of exercise. I eat a lot of carbs and a lot of protein. When I try get my weight down, I cut out my desserts. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so that can be one of the hardest things.
“73 kilograms isn’t too bad, though — it’s something that would be considered middleweight. When I was competing at an amateur level, I was competing at around 69 kilograms, which is considered super-welterweight, which is much worse. That consisted of eating veggie soup for four weeks.
“I’ve enjoyed this camp a lot more, as I’ve had a few more carbs and stayed a lot more energised. I’m feeling pretty comfortable.”
Working away for the CGSC has allowed Dunlop to juggle his time while also allowing him to maintain his focus, alongside the quality family time that he craves.
“I’m working in civil construction for the Central Goldfields Shire Council after working at Ballarat’s council. I started around four or five months ago. I really enjoy it. It’s where I get my work/life balance from. The training can take away a lot of my family time. But getting it back through working for shires or having a fortnightly RDO means I can spend time with my kids,” he said.
For now, though, Dunlop is just keen to make a statement against Scott, a fighter who is enjoying a solid pro career with seven fights to his name.
“I’m excited to fight someone who is an established pro. He’s had more fights than me and his record is pretty good. He has five wins and two losses, some of them against good fighters. If I can stop him, I can show everyone that I am here and looking to make my way to the top,” he said.
“I think I am a lot more powerful in my hands. I feel pretty good at putting the pressure on.”
Dunlop does his training under the experienced Samnang ‘Dip’ Yuanjit, who operates Dip Muay Thai in Ballarat.
He’s now aiming to join a long list of fighters that have previously been coached by Yuanjit, including 10-time world champion John Wayne Parr.
Dunlop can only pay tribute to the amount of work he has done under Yuanjit’s watch.
“My coach, Dip Yuanjit and I have a few little tricks up our sleeve [against Scott] that I plan on putting into action and hopefully I’ll get an early finish,” he said.
“Dip is easily one of the best coaches in Australia, he’s had multiple world champions train under him, such as John Wayne Parr and Victor Nagbe, who are multiple-time world champions. His IQ is next level. You won’t find another person like him, not in Victoria, or not in Australia.”
Dunlop’s fight with Scott will be fourth on the card on Saturday night, with three three-minute rounds.