Ring Girl: 8/29/14
BY NICOLE KATO
According to Albert Cambra, he has no specialty, but he continues to train his heart out to become as well rounded as possible. “I have no formal karate or martial arts training,” says the Waianae Valley Homestead native. “I just do my best to be prepared.” Cambra only started training this year with Team Mixed Plate (based out of Waianae). He also works on his submission and grappling techniques under Jason Bray, the man who “whipped me in my first MMA fight.” While a newcomer to the scene, Cambra is no stranger to the world of mixed martial arts. He was always interested in MMA, kickboxing and boxing, and his family has its own fight team, Team Relentless. “One of my favorite things about the sport is the adrenaline rush, the butterflies you get at certain parts of training, the nerves when you’re waiting to get to the cage,” he says. “It’s that kill or be killed feeling. That same feeling that runs in the blood of every kanaka, the love of battle and brotherhood.” Cambra hopes to be back in the cage later this year or early next year and is working hard to get his name out there. “I am always down for fights,” he continues. That way it gets me a step closer to being known” … Another round of amateur boxing heads to Palolo District Park Gym Aug. 30 (Saturday) at 6:30 p.m. This time, boxers from Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Molokai are expected to compete. The main event features Fred Domingo Jr. from Kawano Boxing Club and Matthew “Nainoa” Perez. The bout is a rematch of their championship fight in the Desert Showdown in California last month in which Perez came out victorious. Curits Badayos Jr. from Valley Isle Boxing Club goes head to head with Nysir Blackwell of Pearlside Boxing Club in the semi-main event. Cost for the event will be determined after the weigh-ins on Saturday, but coordinator Bruce Kawano says it will not be more than $12.
