Teen has eyes for Paris
SAHARA KEEPS PUNCHING WELL ABOVE HER WEIGHT
SAHARA Dempsey has the Olympics in her sights, and a desire to emulate the global dominance of her great-great grandfather.
But even at just 15, having thwarted Australian champions far more experienced than herself, it is outside of the ring her trainer Derek Webber sees a Townsville inspiration.
Dempsey’s career with the gloves is only about two years old, but already she is making a name for herself and setting up a pathway to the Paris Games in 2024.
By that time Webber hopes to have put up to 70 fights under her belt, before then embarking on a path to world dominance in the professional ranks.
The young pugilist’s namesake, Jack Dempsey, was the world heavyweight champion in the 1920s, with his bloodline then finding its way to North Queensland.
Now it is the young Dempsey’s turn, and her Saturday bout at Northern Beaches State High School with highly rated emerging star Tahlea Toohey will be her next step towards those goals.
“She’s never shied from a fight, we call her the Giant Slayer. You put someone in front of her she’ll compete and shake hands,” Webber said.
“Her and Tahlea fought their last fight in Noosa – Sahara had had about nine fights, Tahlia has had in the 30s and been current for a very long time. She lost that one, but for us it was a massive win.
“She’s so humble and beautiful but she never shies away, and her courage is her biggest asset.
“I trained her for six or seven months and thought I’d chuck her in with adults. She
cried and was scared, but kept coming back. I was testing her courage.
“You can train skill, but you can’t train heart.”
When Dempsey first came to Webber at Northcoast
Combat Fitness, the trainer set some guidelines to meet before she could begin competing.
She had to get her grades at school up and had to work in order to help her family pay
for her travel and boxing pursuits.
Both of those criteria were instantly met, with Dempsey now succeeding in school and working at a local mini golf course to fund her constant movements for fights.
That is what has impressed Webber so much about her character.
Sure she is tough, packs a punch and studies the sport like a game of chess.
But the fact she has been able to set an example away from the ring has instilled a mentality which far surpasses her tender years.
Webber said it was an example he hoped to spread to the other Indigenous youth in Townsville, to showcase how far someone can go with the right discipline and mindset.
“Part of the process was letting her know when we do this you have to be accountable and pay your way,” he said. “Don’t expect handouts from anyone, so when you make it you appreciate it because you worked hard, got some coin and helped your parents make this dream happen.
“She’s such a role model to not only other women and other athletes, but young Indigenous kids as well.
“There’s so much Indigenous crime going on and we’re so focused on male predominant sports and certain boxers in Townsville, but this girl has gone under the radar.”
Between now and the Paris Olympics there is plenty for Dempsey to achieve.
A Commonwealth Games and Youth Games raid is firmly on her cards, as is establishing herself as the nation’s premier up and coming sensation.
For now, Webber said it was the time to fine tune her developing skillset.
“By the time Paris Olympics comes she’ll be 18, she’s up to 11 fights now so we’re trying in the next three years to get to the 60 or 70 fight mark,” he said.
“By the time we get there, with the Youth Games and Olympics and Commonwealth Games she can have at least one of those.
“Whether she makes it or not it’s about learning. She wants to be like her greatgreat grandfather and be number one in the world.”