Clash of titans as pugilists arrive
Parker Jnr returns
WHEN the gloves go on and the punches start to flow, a titanic clash of heavyweights is set to ensue at the Ross Island Hotel.
And the comeback of a former Townsville boxing icon is set to stand out among the talented crop.
The second coming of the Rumble on the Ross Knuckleman Series has the potential to shake the Townsville landscape, such is the profile of the fighters to be on show this Saturday night.
Grudge matches and the return of past marquee Townsville fighters will be on show, as will former bull rider Joel Hurley, who has been described as “tough as nails” and is ready to mix it with the younger crew.
But for Knuckles Gym owner and trainer Matty Rooney, there is one name that should be on everyone’s lips ahead of the spectacle.
It has been 12 years since Wayne Parker Jnr took on a professional bout, but in the independent competition he is ready to shake off the cobwebs.
His inclusion is just one of the reasons why Rooney is tantalised by what the night’s heavyweight division will produce.
“Wayne’s a bit of a name around the town, everyone knows him around the boxing scene,” Rooney said.
“He had a lay-off for a while. His timing is right and he’s got power in both hands — he’s going to be the one to watch, I’m telling you.
“It’s a beauty; we’ve got Javan Pines who won it last time, they’re talking it up big from Cairns — they’re saying
Cairns won’t lose to Townsville — but guess what? Townsville’s ready to take on Cairns.”
Fighters from across North Queensland will meet in the Ross Island Hotel ring, with the lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight divisions using a tournament format.
From Moranbah to Cairns, the competitors are keen to establish themselves on the Townsville boxing circuit.
With $1000 prizemoney up for grabs, the victor will have to navigate two bouts to come away with the honours.
The evening’s 12 fighters may all possess different style in the ring, but Rooney said there was an overarching theme of all competitors that would stand out.
“To be quite honest, all North Queenslanders are tough — it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“We’re just bred that way, we’re all nice and tough, it’s always been like that. We’re right up the top of Australia, we’re a bit different to the big cities down south but a lot of cowboys, a lot of fishers, good boxers the lot.
“We train as a team and come fight night we’re ready, don’t worry about that.”
Tickets go on sale tonight at the Ross Island Hotel.