Buddy Oldman answered a few questions from Australian Rural & Regional News, below the release.
Priceless Media, Media Release, June 2023
Wiradjuri man Buddy Oldman is about to be immortalised in the history books. Under the guidance of the Guinness World Records, the World Champion Masters Boxer is proud to confirm that he will be punching a boxing bag for 72 hours to set a new world record to raise awareness for mental health.
Buddy will be taking his first jab in this momentous marathon to raise money for Wellways Australia on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Hurricane Combat Centre, Albury Sports Ground.
From the Albury region of New South Wales, Buddy Oldman takes to the ring to fight for those in need of inclusion and support. He is extremely passionate about raising awareness for Aboriginal and mental health, as well as autism and ADHD acceptance. With every fight, he aims to break down the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and wants everyone to check on each other more often.
“It will be unbelievable to see my name in the Guinness World Records, but achieving this goal is not for me,” says Buddy. “I am doing this first and foremost to raise money for Wellways Australia and the work they do for mental health in the community. Bringing more awareness to the work they do and making a difference in people’s lives is more important to me than seeing my name up in lights.”
To the WGBC Masters World Champion, removing the stigma around such topics as mental health and neurodiversity is something worth fighting for, because he knows first-hand how destructive it is to keep quiet about it. Buddy struggled with PTSD and depression for much of his adult life because of the traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted as a child. When he took up the sport of boxing at the age of 48, his whole life changed. In a few short years, he has rose to be the 50 to 55 years Australian champion in the in the 71-75kg weight group.
Buddy’s next fight will be at the Gairy St Clair Superhero Fight Night on Friday, July 7, 2023, and he plans to be walked out by someone who needs to know that they are loved and accepted for who they are. His world-record marathon will be a three-day community celebration at Hurricane Combat Centre, Albury Sports Ground, with special guests and activities for the family.
Australian Rural & Regional News asked a few questions of Buddy
ARR.News: What shape were in before and what inspired you to take up boxing in particular at 48 years old?
Buddy Oldman: I was extremely unhealthy. I was 115kg with the onset of blood pressure cholesterol and diabetes health issues and about to go from a 4xl shirt to a 5xl. I now weigh 74kg and wear a medium shirt.
ARR.News: Wouldn’t being better at boxing tend to make (some) people more likely to get into a fight (when they shouldn’t)?
Buddy Oldman: Boxing teaches discipline and respect. The culture of boxing gyms is you DO NOT fight anywhere other than the ring and the respect you have for the trainers who put so much into you as a boxer – you learn the discipline and won’t let yourself down.
ARR.News: What sort of person would you recommend boxing to?
Buddy Oldman: I look at people as equals regardless of race, gender, age, or disability, so I can’t define a sort of person. Boxing is a great social environment; creating inclusion for all. It changes lifestyles for many many people. I highly recommend boxing training to everyone. You do not need to fight in the ring unless it’s your choice to enter through the ropes. It’s great for your mind and body.
ARR.News: Do you think taking up boxing could (or has) helped young Aboriginal (and other) kids get themselves together, improve themselves and their lives?
Buddy Oldman: You only need to look at the history of boxing and how many people, not only Aboriginals, have had their lives changed by the sport. Statistics show it far outweighs any other sport for changing lives.
ARR.News: How would people go about getting started with boxing?
Buddy Oldman: Great question. Searching for what suits you is the important thing. Bit like buying a car- going along to each boxing gym and test driving each in your area. Speaking with the trainer and getting a feel for the gym and you’ll know in yourself. It’s what I did and found my happy place.
For more information on Buddy Oldman, please see:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddyoldmanmastersboxer/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7IEvMWQQADnPm67fL6eCbw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buddyoldman