Local fighters Kelly Coull and Bailey Lindsay are novice champions following big wins at the BoxingWA novice titles.
TWO Mandurah boxers were named novice champions after competing in the BoxingWA Novice Titles in Perth.
Billy Dower Youth Centre boxer Kelly Coull took out the 54kg senior novice title with a convincing win.
Twenty-six-year-old Coull showed skills, controlled aggression and combination punching to overwhelm her opponent on her way to her 25-5 win. Coach John Florenca said Coull’s performance was one of the best he had seen for a first time boxer.
“Kelly is a hard trainer and had a good lead up to the tournament by sparring with much more experienced boxers than herself,” he said.
Coull said the whole experience was positive.
“I enjoyed the experience and am keen to step back in the ring again,” she said.
Fifteen-year-old Bailey Lindsay was also named a novice champion, despite no previous fighting experience before the tournament.
Lindsay was up against boxers who had fought previously, and at 60kg in a 63kg weight division, Lindsay showed heart to stop bigger, more experienced opponents.
Lindsay used footwork and fast hands to stay out of trouble before building into impressive points wins in both his semi-final and final bouts.
Nervous heading into his semi, Lindsay gave away a massive reach advantage but made the most of his opportunities to defeat his Wanneroo opponent by five points.
With the nerves left in his semi, Lindsay headed into the final confident.
His opponent, a stockier, shorter fighter from Balga was unable to match Lindsay’s reach as he scored points from long range to win the final by four points.
Florenca said Lindsay had the potential to become an exciting boxer with his good footwork and quick hands.