From getting a ‘touch up’ in the ring to national champion, Marlon Sevehon eyes off Olympic Games

In his first years as a teenager he would get a ‘little bit of a touch up’.

But instead of throwing in the towel and giving up, the now 22-year-old has an Australian title to show for his hard work and dedication.

In claiming the 80kg Elite category at last month’s National Championships he also became the first boxer from the Woolloomooloo PCYC to earn a national success since 1988.

With trainers Adam Thompson and former Australian Olympic boxing captain Luke Jackson by his side, Sevehon has opened new doors that didn’t seem possible just a few years ago.

“Consistency and resilience,” Thompson said.

“In the early days he used to get a little bit of a touch up but the biggest thing was he was always the first one here the next day. He was always doing the extras.

“As those other kids fell away, Marlon stayed and he kept working. Even with setbacks, this was his third crack at nationals, to see him bounce back from those things to persist is the biggest thing.

“It’s literally all ahead for him. Winning a national title unlocks those opportunities and it means he’ll now train with those other Australian champions down in Canberra at the AIS next year.

“There will be opportunities to compete overseas as well.”

The ability to overcome adversity saw Sevehon come into the event with a winning mindset, one that would ultimately net him his biggest achievement to date.

“It’s tough losing, but it’s more the mental side of it,” he said.

“This was the only one (national title) I thought I was going to win. I obviously went to win the other ones, in my head I felt like I wasn’t really ready.

“This one I didn’t think too much about what would happen if I lost. I just knew I had to win it.”

Sevehon came to the gym as a 15-year-old with the boy from Bondi sticking at the craft to now become a trainer for youth at the gym.

“I don’t really see myself as a role model to them, but it helps me stay consistent,” he said.

“If I’m slacking off or not training properly, they’re looking at me.

“It’s good seeing the kids progress through, even if they’re not going to become boxers, it’s just good that they’re here doing something.”

So what’s next for Sevehon? Chasing gold at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

“The main goal was winning that, but it’s always been the Olympics,” he said.

“When you’re starting, even winning a state title seems unrealistic. You win that and then the Australian titles are next.

“The next one will be the Commonwealth Games.”

Originally published as From getting a ‘touch up’ in the ring to national champion, Marlon Sevehon eyes off Olympic Games