MILDURA boxers have dished out impressive performances in Adelaide as the local contingent of pugilists continues to grow.
Three athletes from Sunraysia had their hands raised at the conclusion of the Boxing South Australia State Team Schools selection event at the Dom Polski Centre.
Ladds Boxing Gym duo Charlie Cooper and Nicholas McWilliams earned strong victories while The Boxing Cartel’s Rhys Hutchison caused one of the biggest upsets of the weekend.
Few pundits would have given 14-year-old Hutchison a chance against Australian Club Championships winner Arman Kuik, who was also a medalist at the Golden Gloves and schoolboys national championships.
Coach Nick Wakefield, however, said his young charge’s work ethic set him up for the victory via a judges’ decision.
“He hadn’t had a fight in seven months as he wasn’t able to get a match-up and it was only his fourth fight and his opponent was having his ninth,” he said.
“I don’t reckon many people would have given Rhys a chance but he fought brilliantly.
“He’s 14 years old and just trains so hard.
“He’s at the gym at 4.30am, heads to school and comes back to train in the afternoon again.
“That dedication showed in his fight.
“He was able to outlast him.
“I’d say it’s the biggest win he’s had so far.”
Ladds duo Cooper and McWilliams also put in impressive performances to win via decision.
Cooper has been the gym’s standout fighter in 2024, with victories in all four of his bouts.
“Charlie and Hamish Berry didn’t have opponents so got walkover wins but we are always looking to get special bouts put together if we can,” gym owner and coach Steven Ladd said.
“We weren’t able to get one for Hamish but Charlie got a rematch with Nathan Milakic who he’s faced a few times.
“Both boys are very skilful boxers but it was probably the last round where Charlie’s strength and condition came through to get the win via decision.”
Ladd said McWilliams had to work his way over opponent Carmin Goggins, who came out swinging early.
“He came out slugging early and Nicky caught one in the early rounds,” he said.
“He was throwing everything at him trying to knock him out.
“Nicky stayed with him and as the other guys began to tire Nicky’s superior fitness came out and he came over the top of him to win in a split decision.”
Meanwhile, at a recent fight night in Renamrk, Iron Fist boxer Egemen Keleser silenced the crowd in a main-event victory against hometown hero Jake Pearce.
Coach Nigel McWilliams was glowing his praise for the performance.
“Jake has way more experience and is a pretty impressive fighter but Egemen owned every round and won via decision,” he said.
All gyms have boxers lined up for the Australian Club Championships on May 19, one of biggest amateur events in the country.
