Gold-en ticket to nationals

Above: All Star Boxing Academy's gold medalists from the Queensland Schools titles.

Fourteen young fighters from All Star Boxing Academy, in Lawnton, have set their sights on national glory in Darwin.

All returned from the 2025 Boxing Queensland School Age State Championships with gold medals – and booked their tickets to the national titles.

Only one All Star boxer missed gold earlier this month at the Eagles Sports Complex, Mansfield after losing to a team-mate in a close semi-final.

Gold medal winners were Phoenix Morrissey, Tanah Harrington, Tyson Harrington, Chase Courtenay, Pierson Faapito, Cooper Zan, Swayze Faapito, Aaron Taggett, Presley Faapito, Stewart Taggett, Scarlett Manthey, Darcy O’Malley, CJ Hill and Charles Allen.

Coaches on deck were Paul Utia and Herb Taggart.

“We’re all very proud of the team for all of their continued efforts in pursuit of their goals,” Ben Harrington, head coach and owner of All Star Boxing Academy, said.

“It’s the hardest and loneliest sport in the world and these kids and young adults are a credit to themselves, their families and our boxing gym.”

The state champions are now preparing for the Australian Schools Championships at Marrara Indoor Stadium, Darwin on September 29-October 3.

All Star Boxing Academy is based at Pine Rivers Showgrounds running children’s, amateur and professional boxing programs.

One of the academy’s amateurs Taj Harrington 17, has just returned with a silver medal from the prestigious Brandenburg Cup in Germany.

Stablemate Jye Dixon is also preparing to represent Australia at the World Boxing Amateur Championships in the UK next month.