At 54 years of age, Paul Crampton could be forgiven for hanging up his gloves and settling into an easier lifestyle.

But to keep fit and keep his anxiety at bay, the farmer knows the adrenalin of matching up in the ring, going punch for punch with an opponent, is where he feels at home.

Renowned boxing trainer Lee Carr has nothing but good words to say about his masters athlete who recently fought in the Pan Pacific Games on the Gold Coast.

He won gold in the middleweight 50 to 55 year old division  against a tough Illawarra  fighter, Dean Goodwin.

“Paul is a man of very few words, his actions speak loader than any words,” Carr said.

“He likes that boxing sparring creates a bond that hitting a bag just can’t do. Boxing keeps you young. We are now training for masters world title in Japan.”

Carr, who trained Shannon Taylor to two world titles and countless other big name fighters, has a special respect for the more mature boxers.

“With masters, you have to keep a good eye on them, we call it duty of care, we work around injuries, but the old school guys are different to the young ones,” he explains.

“Old school never complain or make excuses, the young are to busy showing off or making excuses.”

Paul had six amateur fights in his 20s.

“When I turned 48 I entered the Australian Masters Games in Geelong and got a silver medal,” he said. 

“I decided then and there to continue with my boxing and fitness for a few reasons. Firstly being fit really helps me with my anxiety.

“It helped me with my motorbike racing which I was doing at the time and my job.

“I’ve been managing a cattle farm in the Southern Highlands for the last 18 years which is a very physical job.

“Since I started training at the Downtown Old School Gym with Lee, I’ve won the King of the Ring tournament against Paul Covi another advocate for Masters boxing in Australia.

“I then went on to win the Australian Masters middleweight title in Caloundra in 2017 against Wayne Walsh.

“My training regime involves running most mornings with my partner Jacky , training with Lee four times a week and sparring every Saturday morning at Downtown. I also do my own weight training at home.

“Since I have been involved in masters boxing I’ve meant many  inspirational men and woman who are all fighting their own battles.

“I’m turning 55 in January 2019 and Lee has nominated me for a fight in Caloundra in June for a WBF masters title.”