Rising talent puts Surf Coast on the combat sports map

LOCAL amateur boxer Emily Biram continued her strong run of form with a win over the weekend, adding another polished performance to her growing record.

Trained by Jan Juc’s Jason Caine, Biram has been steadily building momentum in the amateur ranks, establishing herself as one of the region’s most promising prospects.

Her latest outing against Paula Ahillion showed she’s hitting her stride, combining composure, an impressive jab with sharp technique as she continued her winning ways to 2-0.

Biram has also recently stepped into a coaching role at The Corner Gym in South Geelong, balancing her own fight career while helping develop the next wave of local talent.

“Coaching has helped me to tighten up my fundamentals as an athlete,” Biram said. “I am inspired to continue to provide as a strong role model, as I see the next generation of female fighters watching on.”

While Biram’s success keeps local boxing in the spotlight, attention now shifts to this weekend’s Melbourne Fight Series 2, where two Surf Coast athletes are set to test themselves in the MMA cage.

Returning to the Club Italia Sporting Club for their second ever show, the event will showcase some of Australia’s top amateur MMA talent.

Bones MMA’s Matt Ward, a real estate agent and father of two, steps into his ninth amateur bout with plenty on the line, having welcomed a newborn just two weeks ago.

“I’m going into this fight with a renewed sense of purpose,” Ward said.

He takes on Jono Williams from Altona.

Also on the card is Jan Juc’s Jake Bibic, who makes his second walk to the cage, and his first on the Melbourne Fight Series promotion, having debuted in December last year in Geelong’s own ‘Brawl in the Hall’.

Swapping the surfboard for shin pads, Bibic is ready to roll with the step up in competition, facing a formidable wrestling specialist in Concept BJJ’s Brady Niezgokda.

Bibic is confident in the lead up to this weekend.

“I have done the hard work and trust in my striking,” he said. “Saturday night can’t come soon enough!”

With athletes continuing to emerge across boxing and MMA, the Surf Coast combat sports scene is well and truly on the rise, proving it can go toe-to-toe with some of the best amateur talent in the state.

Melbourne Fight Series 2 will take place at Club Italia Sporting Club tomorrow (Saturday 28 March) from 6pm.

Tickets start at $75.

MATT WILLIAMS

Owner, Bones MMA