Sport
22 March, 2022
Boxers at War returns
LOVERS of boxing across from the state will gather at Mareeba Workers Club this weekend for a night of knock outs at Boxers at War 9.
Top boxer of the night, Matthew Carroll of Brydes Boxing Gym in Mareeba, will be going head-to-head with an old enemy, ready to take down Townsville’s Aaron Rapliza for the second time to win a belt.
Testing his limits and working harder to become faster, stronger and fitter, the 17-year-old Australian Champion says he is prepared for another intense knock out.
“I believe the last match was pretty one sided and I don’t think much is going to change, I think it’ll be the same as last time,” Carroll said.
“Back then I was 59kg and was only 16 years old and things are different now – I’m bigger now, stronger, older and more mature and training a lot harder.
“I’ve sharpened up a lot more and have been training my guts out to the point I’m almost spewing and its definitely going to be a knockout this time, I can definitely see it.
“I’m just too big and too strong now.”
Brydes Boxing Gym owner and coach, Wayne Bryde has worked alongside Carroll from the ripe age of 11 and has pulled him through every competition, big or small.
“I’ve trained him in the past, but I have bought coach Pinky along to train him and get him sharpened up, but I am still here watching him and helping him out,” he said.
“We’ve been through thick and thin since he was 11 years old, and I am proud to see what he’s become.
“He has improved 100% as a boxer, young man and role model in the community and that’s all we want.”
The evening will see spectators from across the region, including some well known ‘masters of the sport”. Fighting will start at 6pm, with boxers to weigh from 12noon.
