Bring on Delhi, says Mulivai

WHEN dynamic Goodna boxer, Dane Mulivai looks for inspiration, he only has to think of his son.

Mulivai, 26, is currently based in Canberra at the Australian Institute of Sport as he prepares for this year's Commonwealth Games.

And while Delhi promises to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for the light heavyweight, last month Mulivai's life had already changed for the better when he became a father for the first time.

He was fortunate enough to be by his wife, Susana's side for the birth of their first child Kingzley, on July 21, this year.

But he has barely had time to see him since as he had to fly back to the nation's capital following the delivery.

While he is not able to be by his son's side, that doesn't mean Mulivai is not thinking about him every second of the day.

“All the time (I'm thinking about him), when I'm training, sweating it out in the gym, he's what is pushing me through it,” he said.

“I still feel the responsibility (of raising Kingzley) while I'm here in Canberra even though I'm not physically there.”

It would be an understatement to say Mulivai has had to sacrifice a lot so he can make his tilt at Commonwealth Games gold.

Sacrifices don't come much bigger than missing the precious first few weeks of your child's life.

But Mulivai revealed his motivation to succeed at Delhi has grown stronger since the birth of Kingzley.

“If I don't train hard and don't give everything I've got, than it's not worth being down here is it? It would be a complete waste of time,” he said.

Mulivai's confidence is flying high at present after winning gold at the 2010 Oceania Championships, held at the AIS earlier this month.

The orthodox-stance power hitter cruised through the first two rounds, winning his opening fight with an electrifying first-round knockout.

In the light heavyweight 81kg final, Mulivai produced a clinical display to win 4-0 over the Samoan competitor.

“I'm real happy mate, to be able to come away with the win and no injuries, it means I can go straight back into training,” he said.

Mulivai, who had worked under Inala PCYC trainer, Russell Finn before heading to the AIS, has had his focus set on the Commonwealth Games since taking easy care of Western Australian Brendan Scully to qualify for the Australian team.

“I would not say I'm feeling pressure, but I am constantly thinking about it,” he confessed.

“Walking into the big stadium with heaps of people watching, it's going to be huge, not like your local fight down at Inala this is the world stage.

“The whole country is behind you mate, the national flag, what more could you ask for but to represent Australia.

“This is the best, I'm ready to rock ‘n' roll.”