By Jordan Gerrans
Queensland metropolitan jockey’s premiership leader Ryan Maloney could have easily made it as a professional boxer if he decided on that path earlier in his career, according to a respected boxing coach.
Maloney, who sits atop the Sunshine State premiership with 45 winners through February, is one of several Queensland-based hoops who will step into the boxing ring later this year in the “Fight For a Cause.”
The former Victorian-based Maloney has used the sweet science of boxing throughout his career for fitness and to keep himself sharp.
He lists Mexican champion Canelo Alvarez as his favourite boxer in the ring on the world stage.
Former Australian professional boxer Corey McConnell, who these days trains jockeys and other racing participants to keep their fitness up, believes Maloney could have gone down another path as an athlete if he had boxed earlier in his life.
Now 35 years of age, McConnell thinks Maloney could have made it in the big time as a boxer if he decided to.
“He is a bit of a freak, I would have loved to have him 10 years ago training to be a professional boxer,” McConnell said.
“Some of the things he can do it, it is ridiculous, he just picks everything up so quickly.
“He is very, very skilled.”
Plenty of people look good boxing on the pads but many get found out during a light sparring session, McConnell remarks.
At a recent session, McConnell was blown away with how good Maloney looked on the pads, then they stepped into the ring and he was just as impressed.
“I thought holy heck, here we go,” McConnell said.
The Group 1-winning hoop had another outstanding weekend in the saddle, riding winners at Doomben and the Sunshine Coast over the last few days.
Boxing training has always been a key part of his routine to get in top condition for race day focusing on his cardio and core fitness, Maloney says.
“Obviously fitness, you breathe and pull up a lot better after riding when you are boxing,” he said.
“The fitter you are, the easier everything comes.
“Boxing covers most aspects you need when you are riding and your day to day life, as well.
“It is the best tool to get your weight down, you do not need to spend all day running if you were to go that way.
“It gives you a lot more variety, it is not mundane like running or walking.”