Greek Australian boxing star Terry Nickolas eyeing international career

·

Humble, focused and ambitious are the three words that best describe Greek Australian boxer Terry Nickolas. 

After a successful professional boxing debut last month in Canberra, the Adelaidian who has an impressive Commonwealth Games campaign under his belt, caught up with The Greek Herald and talked about his heritage, his relationship with world rated George Kambosos and his plans for the future.

A great professional debut 

“The fight in Canberra was a positive start to my professional career. I won the fight in the first 30 seconds. My team and I have been waiting all year for this and we finally had this chance,” says the 27-year-old boxer.

But this win didn’t come without hard work behind the scenes, in a challenging year that has impacted sports events and professional athletes globally.

“Due to the pandemic most of the shows were put on standby last year but we’ve been working hard in the gym and we are looking forward to going back in the rink and continue that journey,” Nickolas says as he focuses on the life lessons he carries with him to the next chapter of his career.

“When times get tough, we, boxers, are taught to never give up, to stay strong mentally and physically and to stay positive. If I had given up this year I wouldn’t be where I am now.

“My goal is to be the best boxer I can be.”

Drawing inspiration from his heritage

Boxing is undoubtedly a tough sport as it requires not only endurance and strength but also nerve and the ability to overcome fear.

What is Terry’s kryptonite and what runs in his mind before every fight?

“What my grandparents went through when they left Greece and the struggles they’ve been through in Australia to create a better life for us, is what motivates me. I always think about that. 

“Hopefully I will soon be able to go back to the roots and have a fight over there,” he says.

His relationship with George Kambosos

Last year, Nickolas relocated to Sydney after penning a long-term promotional deal with Kambosos’ business venture, Ferocious Promotions, including a managerial deal with George’s father, Jim Kambosos.

And he hasn’t looked back.

“I look up to George and admire him for putting Australia and Greek Australians on the map of the sport. He’s an incredible athlete. 

“To train with and be around him is a privilege. This year especially, I am very lucky to have been side by side with him,” Terry says as he’s now preparing to… make some noise in the Australian boxing scene before he sets off to achieve a bigger dream.

“When I give a few fights in Australia the goal is to follow in George’s footsteps and get into America, into the US boxing scene. 

“That’s the goal and I’m sure we’ll get there with the right team behind me. I hope one day to fight for a World title as well.”

We will be here to watch this fight. Best of luck Terry! 

READ MORE: IBF officially orders lightweight champion to face George Kambosos Jr

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek PM Mitsotakis urges de-escalation and ceasefire in call with Israeli PM

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday.

Missile strikes escalate as Trump urges Iran and Israel to ‘make a deal’

Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes for a third consecutive day, intensifying a deadly conflict that has left hundreds dead.

Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria announces date for 2025 Board Elections

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria has announced its 2025 Board elections will be held on Sunday, June 29.

How younger Greek Australians are redefining mental health conversations

Conversations once hidden in the shadows are now in the spotlight, bringing mental health to the forefront.

NSW urged to act on worsening elder abuse crisis

A new report from Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) reveals that 15% of elderly Australians are currently experiencing abuse.

You May Also Like

Student enrolments at public schools in NSW at lowest level in 15 years

Sydney parents opt to send children to state's independent schools, with enrolments in public schools plunging to lowest level in 15 years.

Public health alert issued for two Greek Orthodox churches in Wollongong

NSW Health has this afternoon confirmed that St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church and The Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Wollongong were visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Tom Koutsantonis MP orders review into bus stop sign after complaint of ‘Nazism’

The stylised character next to a “hail bus” message on Adelaide bus stops has been questioned by the Jewish community.