SATURDAY’S Hogarth Cup is being hailed a major success, with close to 800 spectators having passed through the doors to watch local, state and interstate talent battle it out in Mildura’s largest ever boxing show.
Event organiser Steve Ladd said he was “incredibly proud” following the show.
“It was an amazing tournament,” Ladd said.
“I am tremendously proud of our team.
“Not only did most of our fighters win but they all showed improvements in front of their home crowd.
“This event has put Mildura on the map.
“We have had tremendously positive feedback from the night.”
Living up to his family name, Ladd’s Boxing Club fighter and great-grandson of Des Hogarth (one of four brothers in whose honour the event was named) Hamish Berry put on a clinic to take home the title of fighter of the tournament.
“Hamish was just class in and out, slipping and moving to the point where former world champion Lester Ellis said ‘This kid is going to be better than me’,” Ladd said.
“For the great-grandson of one of Australia’s greatest middleweights to take home the Hogarth Cup is amazing.”
Throughout the evening nine specially selected city-versus-country bouts took place to determine who would take home the Harrison Ladd Memorial Trophy, with the city coming out on top 6-3.
“It is an emotional thing,” he said.
“The last boxing event Harrison was ever at was right here.
“I still have the memory of him being here and it’s nice to honour him this way.
“That shield will go everywhere now.
“It will go to the country, it will go to the city and we will keep that going tournament to tournament and Harrison’s name will live on.”
During the event guests were also treated to speeches by Australian boxing royalty Lester Ellis, Barry Michael and Brad Vocales, who all praised the show.
“All the judges, referees and officials were so pleased with the show” Ladd said.
“There were no incidents, the crowd was beautiful and we were able to show our guests that this little country town matches it with the best in Australia.
“Mildura boxing is back to where it was 40 years ago.
“We are really respected now.”
RESULTS
Ladd’s Boxing Club
Robert Burns won via first-round stoppage.
Hamish Berry won via decision.
Bodhi Kane lost via decision.
Jack Evans won via decision.
Gab Toutai won via decision.
Iron Fist
Egemen Keleser won via decision.
Tyson Boxing
Raiden Tyson lost via decision.
