Tribute to son as Dana thanks supporters after US debut
By Kirra Livingstone
Coolwell plans on taking a well-deserved break after returning from the US this week where he opened for the Mike Tyson v Jake Paul blockbuster.
Coolwell ultimately went down to Brooklyn’s Bruce Carrington but gained the respect of viewers and commentators after surviving a barrage of hits and two knockdowns to take the bout to a points decision.
“There’s no quit in Coolwell,” one commentator exclaimed as the hinterland featherweight continued to move forward on his opponent.
Coolwell told GC&M News that despite feeling disappointed in the end result, he believed it just wasn’t his night. “Bruce was a great opponent and I was glad I could fight someone on that level,” he said.
He said the training camp in Santa Monica and week in Texas was an incredible experience. “It’s something I’ll look back on and always be proud of,” he said.
“It’s hard to say how this fight will change my life now, but it was just awesome to be a part of the whole event and history.”
While his son Iluka couldn’t be at the 80,000 AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Coolwell wore specially designed socks bearing his child’s face.
“I wore those socks so he could be with me as well during the fight,” Coolwell said.
“I hadn’t seen him in so long.” Coolwell said he didn’t get to meet Tyson or Paul, and the closest he got was at the press conference.
He added that he felt overwhelmed by the wave of support he received after his time in the US.
“I’ve had a crazy amount of support which was amazing even after I lost,” Coolwell said. “(But it) makes it hard for me because I just feel like I’ve let everyone down.”
Coolwell said he had some family members, including his partner Bec, who had the chance to fly to Arlington to watch his fight.
“I had my team of sponsors about 14 of us and also my cousin and one of my uncles flew over as well,” he said.
Coolwell added that he was “super grateful” to his team and sponsors, and thanked them for sticking by him while he chased his dream of winning a world title.
“I just want to thank my coach firstly who puts a lot of time into getting me here and over all the years, and to my manager who is great and helped get me this opportunity,” he said.
“Also thanks to my sponsors who continue to support me and believe in me.”
The Beerwah boxer now plans to spend some quality time with his family, take a well deserved rest, and then look forward to what’s next.
