When Walmajarri and Gooniyandi boxer Elijah Murray won his first official bout, his hometown of Fitzroy Crossing in northern WA was never far from his mind.
Murray defeated Tyson Palelei by unanimous decision in a light-heavyweight exhibition bout at Dragon Fire Boxing's Thunderdome 54 competition in Perth on May 29, marking his first official fight.
For the last six years, Murray has been training in boxing whilst balancing community leadership positions in his hometown, centred on boosting men's mental health.
He combined these two passions, resulting in the opening of a boxing gym in Fitzroy Crossing, aimed not only at physical fitness but also as a safe, cathartic space for men.
Murray, who is also a men's program co-ordinator for the Kimberley Aboriginal Lore and Culture Centre (KALACC), said his main goal was to help men from Fitzroy Crossing and its surrounding communities.
"I want to create a safe place for men, for their healing and mental health," he said.
However, this will run in parallel with his ambitions in the ring, as he is keen to continue advancing his boxing career and compete in more tournaments.
