RISING stars from Ladd’s Boxing Club have returned home after competing for Australian boxing titles in Perth last week.
Hamish Berry and Charlie Cooper earned spots in the South Australian state team for the second year in a row.
“The best athletes from each state are selected to compete yearly,” said their coach Jackson Ladd.
“Two years, and both times, they have been selected to go on the state team.
“You can’t ask for much more.”
Berry was on a five-fight winning streak heading into the Australian titles but was unable to get his hand raised against a tough opponent who would later fight in the finals.
Cooper, on the other hand, had an impressive victory in his first fight but went on to lose his second in a highly competitive bout.
The fight was tied into the third and final round, showcasing the intense competition the pair faced.
“I’m really happy with both of their performances,” Ladd said.
“It’s a big ask to become an Australian champion in the first two or three times they compete in it.”
It’s business as usual for Cooper and Berry, who were both back in the gym earlier this week, training only a few days after their recent competition.
It will be a quick turnaround for the boys as they are both fighting on July 20 in the Hogarth Cup at Mildura basketball stadium.
“Alongside the national and state titles, this upcoming event is our biggest event just because it is in our hometown,” Ladd said.
