ACACIA Ridge hosted the largest boxing tournament in Australia over four days last week and, for three Tamworth boxers, it was a knockout.
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More than 450 boxers from all over the country weighed in at the annual Golden Gloves tournament in a Queensland venue where several teams from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea also competed.
Last year’s tournament brought about huge success for Tamworth’s PCYC boxing team when six fighters made the journey up and came home with four gold and two silver.
This year’s tournament had three Tamworth PCYC fighters – Isaiah Spearim, Josh Moncaster and Brad Moncaster – making the trip and returning with two gold and one silver.
Coaches Tony Shea and Paul Sullivan were delighted with their efforts.
Spearim (the 2013 Central NSW, Central Coast and NSW State Champ), after weighing in on Day 1 of competition at 59kg, stepped up into the Youth B Category 64 kilo division as there were no opponents in the B category under 60 kilo division.
“Isaiah drew the semi final for his first fight and was too strong for his opponent, stopping him in the second round which earned him a spot in the gold medal bout,” Sullivan said.
“Isaiah fought a smart fight in the final and although he was completely exhausted half way through the third and final round, he fought on pure heart and was rewarded by having his hand raised in victory and earning himself the 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion title.
“Josh Moncaster, the 2013 Central NSW, NSW State and National Golden Gloves Champ, drew the semi final in the Youth A Category 64kg division.
“He was too good for his Queensland opponent, winning by way of unanimous decision and earning himself a spot in the gold medal bout.
“In the final Josh faced off against another Queenslander.
“After knocking his opponent down and putting two standing eight counts on him throughout the fight, Josh was on the end of a pretty bad decision, picking up silver.
“Team captain Brad Moncaster (2014 Central NSW and 2013 NSW State and National Golden Gloves Champ) drew a straight final gold medal bout in the Elite A Category Heavyweight Division.
“His opponent was undefeated in seven bouts going into the final with Brad, having only one loss in his eight outings.
“The final was an absolute war, with both boys landing solid punches with the judges having a hard job to decide, however Brad took that job away from the judges, stopping his opponent in the third and final round with a flurry of punches that earned him the 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion.”
Sullivan said the three young boxers “did the PCYC and Tamworth proud” for the way in which they conducted themselves both inside and outside the ring over the four days and are now looking forward to competing at the NSW State Titles to be held at the end of September in Sydney.
He said an opportunity also existed for any potential business sponsor to come on board as the PCYC boxing team’s major sponsor.
For further details regarding sponsorship, contact Saunders (0404 270698) or via the Tamworth PCYC office during business hours.
