Housewife, computer technician, boxing trainer, a karate exponent called ‘Tiger’, a VicRoads pit, a waxing businesswoman … Keilor Downs mother of two Marty Camilleri has given most things a shake over her 54 years.
“I love to be busy,” she told Star Weekly. “It keeps me young and active. I was always told by my dad that there is nothing in life that you can’t do. Put in 100 per cent and get 110 per cent back.
“You must love what you do; live and breathe it.”
And Ms Camilleri’s just added another string to her bow – published boxing photographer.
Ms Camilleri was raised on the fight game. Her father would take her to Festival Hall for bouts and they’d spar in the backyard, even if her mother fiercely disapproved.
“My dad brought me up tough, under cars, on top of roofs, under the house, you name it. I was more interested in boy stuff.”
Her mother wouldn’t let her become a boxer, so she took up karate instead. “My nickname was Tiger, I was scared of no one.”
Years later, as her son grew from a raw 17-year-old into the professional boxing machine Joel ‘CamaKO’ Camilleri, Ms Camilleri began taking photos.
Her role as a volunteer trainer at Footscray Youth Boxing Club – where founder 85-year-old Beau Gerring still runs the gym – sharpened her skills. Her snaps now appear in daily newspapers, on internet sites and boxing promo posters.
Now her 60-page book featuring boxing luminaries, such as Anthony Mundine, Lester Ellis, Barry Michael, Sam Soliman and Jeff Fenech, is in need of a seller.
Details: martysknockoutphotography@hotmail.com
