Josh McCulloch has brought his first belt back to Redcliffe City Boxing Club and is now looking for a Golden Glove.
McCulloch, 15, won the 57kgs featherweight belt at the Wide Bay Titles on Saturday, adding it to the State Novice title he won in April.
He beat Livai Savuro, also 15, from North Queensland, over three close-fought two-minute rounds in Bundaberg.
The plan now is for McCulloch to have one more fight before the Queensland Golden Gloves in Brisbane on August 19-22.
But the Albany Creek resident and his trainers say is plenty of room for improvement on Saturday’s fight.
“I don’t feel it was one of my best fights,” said McCulloch, “I think I did alright, but my form, my technique in the fight were not the best.
“When the referee was holding my hand (before announcing the winner) I honestly didn’t know what to think.”
The referee lifted McCulloch’s arm and he now has a winners’ belt, 45 years after one of his trainers, Mal Challinor, also won a Wide Bay title.
Challinor received a badge on November 22, 1975 for taking the Wide Bay heavyweight title and now runs the Redcliffe City Boxing Club, at Burpengary East, with Bunger Johnson and Mark Dixon.
“When Mark and I got up to the corner to take his (McCulloch) gloves off after the last round I said we’ll be lucky (to win),” said the former Australian amateur heavyweight champion.
“It was very close. I reckon the last 30 seconds of the last round won it for him. We’re happy, because he won a belt and he is getting experience, but there’s a lot more to learn.
“He fought a fighter who had (won) six-from-six. Josh had four-from-four, so that was a step up. He was an A grade fighter, Josh was a B grade fighter, that’s another step up.
“I’d like one more fight before August before the Golden Gloves. One more fight which will still keep him in the right category for the Golden Gloves.”
McCulloch paid tribute to Brooke Cooper, the two-time world Muay Thai champion, who he sparred with at the Redcliffe club.
Cooper was preparing for her first boxing bout, an WBC (World Boxing Council) Australasian Lightweight title fight against Deedee Hobbs on July 16.
“Brooke really helped me for this (Wide Bay Title) fight,” said McCulloch, “she was good and helped me choose my punches and defending.”
There's more news here
Just one local Olympian in action today - Bronwen Knox, who will be key figure in the Aussie Stingers team tonight as they close in on the medal matches in Tokyo. Updates right here.…
The Arana Hills Library is seeking a local community group to run a coffee cart or van to feed library visitors. Find out how to apply here …
Local News • 14-8-2022 • Jodie Powell
It pays to lock your doors - even if you're at home - as one unfortunate household discovered when thieves took advantage of their inattention. Find out what else has been keeping Moreton Bay Police busy...…
Local News • 14-8-2022 • Nick Crockford
Tim Gould and Mitchell James were in golden form at the Virtus European Summer Games in Poland, with both standing on top of the medal podium.…
Local News • 14-8-2022 • Jodie Powell
Authors, health professionals and photographers are among the local women who are finalists in the 2022 AusMumpreneur Awards...…
Local News • 13-8-2022 • Nick Crockford
The seventh annual WinterBash off the beach regatta at Woody Point attracted its largest ever fleet.…
Local News • 13-8-2022 • Ashleigh Howarth
Some of the region’s flashiest cars and bikes will go on display for revheads to admire at a new monthly car show starting up next month. It will feature a wide range of vehicles from classic cars to Hot Rods and American Muscle.…
Local News • 12-8-2022 • Nick Crockford
Redcliffe will host the first Senior Active Doctors Conference this weekend for experts to discuss how senior doctors may continue to help their communities.…