Meet the beautiful young woman who burrowed into Josh McCulloch's heart and made him an even better fighter.
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Two years after she sent the amateur Muay Thai champion a happy 18th birthday text, Tessi Walters has become the love of the 20-year-old's life.
And in the process she allayed concerns McCulloch's team at Chaffey's Black Belt Academy harboured over the potential negative impact his first serious relationship could have on his fast-moving ascent.
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Having Walters in his life had been "absolutely amazing", he said. "I feel like I've grown, and we've grown, over the years," he continued.
"She's very supportive: she comes to training with me as well, keeps me on top of my diet, keeps me motivated.
"And it's something obviously I didn't have. Like before, I didn't really have any relationships because I was so focused on fighting."
Walters had given his life more purpose, he said, as he was now "fighting for her". "She's absolutely amazing," added the 2019 Tamworth sportsperson of the year. "She gets along with everyone."
The couple met while working together at KFC on Goonoo Goonoo Road and have bought a home.
Due to COVID-19, McCulloch has not fought since February 29 when he added the Muay Thai Australia 58.9kg NSW belt to his title collection.
Sporting a more muscular physique, he nominated for a Sydney fight promotion on November 29 but was yet to secure an opponent.
He has 15 wins, two losses and two draws - the last of the losses a distant memory.
