Sport
4 July, 2019
Boxers shine bright at Golden Gloves
BRYDE’S Boxing Gym continues to punch above its weight on the state’s boxing landscape, and that was further evidenced after three of the Mareeba based club’s fighters took home five medals at the Golden Gloves tournament held in Townsville recently.
BRYDE’S Boxing Gym continues to punch above its weight on the state’s boxing landscape, and that was further evidenced after three of the Mareeba based club’s fighters took home five medals at the Golden Gloves tournament held in Townsville recently.
Matthew Carroll took home a gold and silver medal along with the tournament’s Encouragement Award.
“I was in the first fight of the night and moved up in age and weight to the 15-16 years of age and 54-57 kilogram division,” Matthew said.
“I felt really comfortable throughout the fight and was able to come away with a unanimous decision win.”
Matthew then fought in the last bout of the night, however was unable to secure the victory against the bigger and older opponent.
“I made a mistake in the first round and tried to trade with him and got hurt,” he said.
“I was happy I came back though and boxed well in the second and third rounds but it was just a little too late.”
Matthew said his loss in his second bout was a great learning experience and one that will make him a better fighter in the future.
Bryde’s Boxing teammate Bayden Hopgood continued on from his debut win two weeks prior and secured his second win in the 15-16 years of age and 57 kilogram division in the novice category. In doing so, he acquired his second Golden Gloves gold medal for the weekend after having won the 14 years of age and 53 kilogram division via stepover (no opponents in the division).
“It is such a good feeling to compete in my first Golden Gloves and come away with two golds,” he said.
“I was able to stop my opponent in the second round, and to be able to do that against someone bigger and older makes the win really special.
“It was a great test for me and one I was really excited to be a part of – and it will be huge for me moving forward.”
Bryde Boxing Gym’s third medallist for the weekend was Kurtis Bryde, who reigned victorious in the 13-14 years of age and 60-63.9 kilogram division.
“I trained really hard in preparation for the tournament so I’m glad I was able to perform so well,” he said.
“The win now means I’m a two-time Australian, Queensland and Golden Gloves champion.”
Kurtis said he will now be turning his focus to the Queensland titles held later in the year. Matthew, Bayden and Kurtis said they would like to thank their fellow teammates and coaches Wayne Bryde and Pinkie Csoma for their enormous support.
