Josh McCulloch has been using the lockdown to stoke his fierce competitive spirit - so that when he is finally let loose, his quest for an amateur Muay Thai world title will recommence at speed.
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The 19-year-old Tamworth fighter says not having normal access to the sport that transformed his life has made him appreciate it even more.
"I definitely think this is a positive," said the reigning Tamworth Sportsperson of the Year. "I believe everything happens for a reason.
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"Taking this time off has made me even more hungry. I'm like, 'Jeez, I took it for granted'. And now I just wanna get back. Instead of like, 'Training today, training tomorrow'; now I'm like, 'I just can't wait until I get back to training and fighting.'
"I've never heard of the saying itchy knuckles. But I've got itchy knuckles."
McCulloch's last fight was on February 29, when he added the Muay Thai Australia 58.9-kilogram NSW title to his title collection after beating fellow New South Welshman Nathan Jones on points in Toukley.
He also holds the 58kg Australian Masa, the 58kg NSW Masa and 60kg East Coast Masa titles.
His record stands at 15 wins, two losses and two draws. It has been a long time since he tasted defeat.
Once back in the ring, his goal is to win a South Pacific title and then a Commonwealth title and then a world title.
"I'm still keeping my eyes on those titles," he said.
"I'm trying to keep as fit as I can. Because as soon as these restrictions go, they'll be fight shows left, right and centre. I'll be pretty much fight-ready within one or two weeks, I reckon."
While in isolation, McCulloch has been doing bag work, running and weights.
His trainer, multiple karate world champion Scott Chaffey, regularly supplies him with workouts.
"When I do my runs, I'm still running at the same pace as what I was [before the lockdown]," he said.
"But it's kinda harder to be self-motivated, knowing that you've gotta get up and do it yourself ... [I had been] training for seven years, every single day. It takes a toll mentally, but I'm keeping physically and mentally sharp, which is really good."
