BOXING TEAM IN AUST GOLD RUSH
Toowoomba boxers shine
BOXING: Toowoomba representatives have shone on the national stage with medalwinning performances against the cream of Australia’s young boxing talent.
Smithy’s TGW Gym members claimed five gold and two silver medals at last weekend’s Australian Golden Gloves Championships in Brisbane.
Xavier Va’a completed his extraordinary tournament performance with two gold medals with his brother De La Salle also winning gold.
Harrison Edwards added to his run of 2019 success with a gold-medal performance.
Toowoomba’s gold tally was capped by Emma Christodoulou with victory in her division.
Chance Dawes finished the championships with a silver medal along with Amelia O’Toole.
Smithy’s Gym operator Brendon Smith said Toowoomba’s impressive national success was due reward for work put in by the boxers and support staff including coach Corb Kanaveilomani.
“It’s been a huge year for the team and this is a fantastic result for them,” Smith said.
“The Golden Gloves is Australia’s most prestigious amateur tournament where every state is represented.
‘‘ THIS IS A FANTASTIC RESULT FOR THEM. BRENDON SMITH
“It also drew competitors from New Zealand, Germany and other countries as well.
“The whole Toowoomba team excelled and Xavier’s effort to win two golds was something special.
“He won his junior gold medal with a round-one stoppage in the final then he moved up to the youth category against 17 and 18 year olds and beat them to win another gold medal.
“Harrison Edwards’ win continues his great year.
“He won the Queensland Novice title, he was successful in the City versus Country tournament, won for Queensland against New South Wales at the State of Origin and now is an Australian Golden Gloves winner.
“This is a big achievement for Harrison.
“Amelia was another worthy medal winner.
“She is from Charleville where does some training as well as travelling to Toowoomba to work at the gym.
“The team will now travel to Cherbourg for a tournament in two week’s time.”