Brayd’s spirit inspires Joel to reach higher
BOXING: There is an endless amount of reasons why tonight’s Rumours International fight card means so much to so many people.
Steve Spark is on the verge of becoming Toowoomba’s next world champion as he prepares to step in against impressive Mexican Loco Castillo for the IBF World Youth Super Lightweight championship.
Toowoomba’s Herman EnePurcell can seal a shot in July at an Australasian heavyweight title bout with victory tonight over undefeated New South Wales cruiserweight champion Nick Midgley.
Toowoomba’s next wave of hungry title hunters also feature on TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 22 bill including Chris Brackin, Jaydee Kalambe and Gav Hornery along with former Garden City resident Daniel Crawford.
The pro card follows an afternoon of amateur bouts where Billy Holland leads country in its clash with city for the annual Brayd Smith Cup.
But tonight is also about a man who can’t be there to celebrate with the current generation of boxers — many of whom he inspired both in life and in the gym.
Toowoomba’s biggest annual fight show is celebrated in memory of Brayd Smith.
This month we remember the former World Youth champion and gentleman who touched so many lives prior to his tragic death in 2015.
It is a loss that will never leave his former fellow law student, second cousin and inseparable mate Joel Stower.
Tonight Stower will remember his best friend in fitting fashion when he returns to the ring after an 18-month break to take on Drew Jackson.
“Obviously I recognised the fact it was going to be Brayd’s anniversary night and that is something that always meant so much to me,” Stower said.
“I’ve never had the opportunity previously to fight on his night.
“The one way I wanted to remember him was to embrace his colours — the orange — on his night of nights.
“Ironically this one’s the 22nd Big Fights night and 22 was Brayd’s favourite number. “He was born on April 22. “I spoke to Brendon (Smith) late last year and said I’m keen to have a fight on his show and he said let’s make it happen.
“It’s special for me to do this and remember Brayd in my own special way.
“For people like Stevie Spark fighting for a world youth title — that’s his dream.
“Someone like me — I’m just an everyday Joe Blow.
“But all I ever wanted to do was live a life like Brayd. He was my idol and still is today.
“We were best of mates and did everything together and just watching him go about his business inspired me to get in there and have a crack.
“If I can do that a couple more times and in my own way remember Brayd — live a clean healthy life like him, get along with everyone and don’t have a bad word to say about anyone then hopefully one day I can become half the person he was.
“He touched everyone’s life. He always had a big impact on anyone he ever met and had anything to do with.
“That’s why I’m so proud that people can come out on Saturday and remember him for the person he was.
“Even some of these other boys who didn’t know Brayd still love fighting for his belt.
“They want to remember him even though they didn’t know him.”