Heath now belting out music

Alex de Vos
After hanging up his boxing gloves in 2008, Geelong’s Heath Stenton has swapped the stage inside the ring for a chance at musical greatness.
The former fighter is set to strut his stuff at Belmont Hotel on Saturday night, using his hands to strum a guitar instead of knocking out his opponents.
Stenton, who picked up his first guitar at the age of 16, described music as a “good outlet” to relieve the pressure of his time battling other boxers inside the ring.
“Music has always been a bit of a hobby of mine,” Stenton told the Independent.
“Most sportsmen play music – it’s a good outlet.
“I used to play when I was a kid and it developed from there – I really love it.”
Stenton said he started performing in front of a crowd to supplement his career in professional boxing.
“I used to busk for sponsorship,” he explained.
“It wasn’t too bad. It kind of helped with the fees, a bit of money here and there.”
Stenton will perform alongside fellow musician and friend Bret Grace in what has been described as “explosive” duo Steno and Gracey.
“It’s been going really well – we’re booked out until June next year,” Stenton said.
He described Steno and Gracey as performing a variety of musical styles with a focus on country and western.
“We play everything for the pubs,” Stenton explained.
“I love doing all the country music songs and we do some covers as well.”
Patrons who have seen and heard Stenton performing have given favourable reviews of the duo while expressing surprise at the musical talent of the former boxer.
Stenton announced his retirement from boxing just over a year ago after turning professional in 1996.
Stenton fought some of the world’s best fighters during his glittering career, including Australians Danny Green and Anthony Mundine.
Stenton said he occasionally hits the ring to help tutor budding fighters and to keep fit.
“I do a bit of personal training and help the boys out but it’s singing that I love,” he said.