Weipa’s Samson Poi Poi is preparing to knock out the competition at the State Amateur Boxing Titles this month. Photo: Cape York Boxing Weipa.
It will be a battle of stamina when Weipa boxer Samson Poi Poi fights to be the last one standing in the State Amateur Boxing Titles ring on 19-20 September.
After a loss at the Queensland Golden Gloves to a highly experienced fighter in June, the 15-year-old has dug deep to come back stronger in a bid to win the Sunstate Amateur Boxing League Inc state title in Mackay.
“It was a bit more fast-paced, and I didn’t have the stamina to keep up,” he told Cape York Weekly.
“I reckon I fight better, I’m faster, and I’m more fit. Just been doing more cardio and more training in general.
“I’m excited, really. I just use the loss for motivation.”
Cape York Boxing Weipa coach Scott Wallace said the competition was stage two of a three-part plan to win an Australian title later this year.
Poi Poi and fellow fighter Billy Reynolds began the journey together in January when they underwent a week-long intensive training course at Fortitude Boxing in Brisbane, but Reynolds will not make it to the state titles this month after sustaining an injury.
“Samson hasn’t got a mate to go with now, and he also hasn’t got a sparring partner, so that’s died off a bit,” Wallace said. ”It’s not the perfect preparation, but the kid that he is, I know he’s going to dig deep and excel on the day.
“I don’t doubt his skills, and I don’t doubt the level that he’s at; he proved it when he went to Brisbane. He was sparring pros and sparring Australia’s best amateurs and champions down there, and nobody in the gym could believe how good these kids from Weipa sparred.
“I’m glad we’re still going, and I’m still confident. The plan’s a bit bumpy, but we’re still on the same road with the goals we set.”
As a not-for-profit sporting group, Wallace said they would appreciate any financial help or sponsorships in the lead-up to the Queensland and Australian championships. Get in touch on 0407 698 560 or at [email protected].
