Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Tough training itinerary as Laured Stewart prepares for first overseas bout in Australian
By Michael Benjamin
Approximately three weeks after travelling to Australia to engage in a two year training stint, local Welterweight pugilist, Laured ‘The Nightmare’ Stewart is gearing up for his first bout slated for Friday August 8 next.
Stewart revealed this much to Kaieteur Sport during an online interview earlier in the week. He said that though he is certain that the fight is on, and that it is a welterweight encounter, he is still to be furnished with the name of his opponent. “Nevertheless I am getting myself in the best shape in anticipation of a tough fight,” Stewart assured.
Laured Stewart
Stewart said that he commenced his training schedule shortly after his arrival despite experiencing mild acclimatization issues. He said that he has been training every morning and night except Saturday. The stocky pugilist commenced sparring sessions with his countryman, Gairy St. Clair Monday afternoon last and further engaged in a hectic session on the strike pads before another session of calisthenics.
Stewart compared his training schedule to that in his native land and admits that though it differs somewhat, his local trainers have prepared him thoroughly and it was easy to make the conversion. “The training here is tough but due to the input of my (local) coaches, Sebert (Blake) and Joseph (Murray), I’m able to deal with what’s happening here,” said Steward. He said that the input of the Australian coach, supported by St. Clair, has made a big difference into his renewed outlook of the sport.
“The applications are almost similar but the work load has increased with a lot of emphasis being placed on stamina and conditioning,” revealed Stewart.
He said that initially, he has had a tough time acclimatising to the weather conditions but he is now managing with it. “It is now mid-winter and it has been tough adjusting to the weather conditions but I’m breathing much better now than when I first arrived,” assured Stewart.
He also said that there has been a strong emphasis on accuracy and speed. “It’s not just about power but speed and conditioning,” he said. The young pugilist spoke of the intensity of his training regimen and said that whereas, in Guyana, he merely engages in 3 or 4 rounds on the strike pads but his Australian trainer pushes him to the hilt with 10 hectic rounds of pad work, another 4 on the heavy bag coupled with lengthy skipping sessions complimented with push ups, abdominal exercises and squats.
“But I am getting the work done; it’s not like I’ve never done this before, it’s just an increase in the intensity and quantity,” said Stewart.
Quizzed on the benefits derived thus far Stewart said, “My coach assured that this type of work will improve my fitness and speed.” He also said that the new approach to his training schedule is doing wonders for him. “I could feel the benefits; I’m beginning to feel great, my punches are a lot crisper and my shoulders feel stronger which I am told will serve me well during crunch time of my bouts,” Stewart proclaimed.
Otherwise, Stewart said that he starts his day with a jog of over 5kg before engaging in an hour swimming session. Pressed for a prediction in his first professional bout on foreign soil, Stewart confidently proclaimed, “I promise I’m going to smoke my opponent for all the hard training he’s putting me through.”
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