MANDURAH boxer Alex Winwood may have travelled to Queensland for the Australian Boxing Titles as one of the underdogs, but he returned as the Australian champion.
On his way to 52-kilogram title the 18-year-old Eureka Boxing Club product had to defeat the reigning Australian champion and a member of the Australian boxing squad.
Winwood had three fights over the four-day knock-out titles from November 12-15 beginning with Victorian Dino Rafaeles followed by Aaron Wellman and concluded with Australian team member Reggie Palm Island. Winwood will now travel to Melbourne for a rematch against Palm Island on December 5 with the winner travelling to Asia for the Asia Cup and a chance to make the Olympics.
“It’s really exciting,” Winwood said.
“I think the last week has been my best boxing so far.”
Winwood’s coach Brian Sartori said he was extremely proud of his young boxer and the way he held himself in the biggest fights of his two-year career.
“I always thought each fight we could win but it’s different actually doing it,” Sartori said.
“For a young guy you’re out of your element staying in a hotel.
“It can be hard when you’re away from home though everyone is in the same boat.”
Winwood, the shortest and youngest in the competition, said he was nervous heading into every fight.
“I think it’s good to be nervous,” Winwood said.
Winwood started the competition in the best fashion possible knocking down Rafaeles in the first round before going on to win on points.
“Dino was a tough fighter but Alex outclassed him for the whole fight,” Sartori said.
The second fight was against the reigning Australian champion in Wellman.
“I was pretty intimidating,” Winwood said. “I knew he had won the title earlier in the year but I knew if I beat him I would have a good chance of [of winning the title] the next day.”
Sartori said his young boxer fought beautifully to clearly win on points.
The title bout was against Palm Island who had defeated Wellman earlier in the year to gain a place on the Australian team bound for the Asia Cup.
Satori said Palm Island had a reputation as a big puncher but Winwood idin’t let that show.
“Alex started fast and used his superior speed to hit Reggie with a variety of shots,” Sartori said.
“He [Palm Island] was always dangerous but Alex had all the answers to win the title.” Winwood said it was his goal at the start of the year to win the title and was proud that he was able to achieve it.
Sartori said he was rapt for Winwood.
“He has ability but you have to be willing to work,” he said.
To qualify for the Australian titles, Winwood won the Western Australian State Title, his first senior title after moving from junior level earlier this year.
Boxing WA will cover a portion of Winwood’s travel expenses to Melbourne but if anyone wanted to help with the cost they can call Sartori on 0413 146 860.
