The up-and-coming stars of Weipa boxing are heading to Tully to compete in the second Sunstate Amateur Boxing League tournament of 2024 on 13 April, but they need the support of the western Cape community to get them there. Photo: Supplied.
They are a formidable sight for any opponent with the gloves on, but a group of western Cape York boxers are asking for the community to be in their corner as they prepare for upcoming bouts nearly 1,000 kilometres away.
Ten boxers from Cape York Boxing Weipa are set to travel to Tully in a fortnight for the second Sunstate Amateur Boxing League tournament of 2024, with almost half the fighters scheduled to step into the ring for the first time.
However, club founder and coach Scott Wallace said the growing popularity of the sport in the region – and the incredible natural talent of so many members – had thrown an unexpected spanner in the works.
“Last year, we were taking five fighters to each tournament, and we’re up to 10 plus now so, it’s just showing the strength and growth of Cape York boxing,” he said.
“It’s really good for the sport and the kids, but it’s getting a bit tough with logistics.”
Mr Wallace explained the club would showcase a diverse range of boxers in Tully, from a 10-year-old making their debut, to seasoned Masters campaigners Scott Barton and Sophia Michaelis.
“I want to try and get them to two tournaments before the Golden Gloves, with is pretty much our biggest event up this way,” he said.
“We’ve got a pretty broad spectrum of fighters; probably about four or five will be having their first fight.”
While the club prided itself on standing on its own feet in the six years since its inception, Mr Wallace said the cost of getting the contingent to Tully during the wet season meant he had little option but to ask the community for help.
He explained while seeing his fighters increase their skill in the ring and move through the ranks was rewarding, the greatest gauge of the club’s success had to be measured outside the ring through the impact boxing had on members.
“Parents come to me every week and they’re crying and they’re saying their son had no confidence, and their daughter was so shy, but now they are talking to adults and have totally changed their behaviour and how they go about life,” he said proudly.
“It totally changes lives; it’s stuff like that I never expected to hear when I was stupid enough to start a boxing gym in Weipa.
“That’s what the sport’s all about.”
To help the boxers star in the spotlight in Tully, contact the club by emailing [email protected].
