Halls Head boxing prodigy Sophie Ingledew punched her way to a national title at the under 19 Australian Youth Boxing Championships in Perth last week.
The Moorey’s Martial Arts pupil took out a gold medal in the 54 kilogram bantamweight division at the tournament, her first ever national honour, with a fierce display in a final on Saturday.
Sophie said it was a surreal feeling to notch the win, which hadn’t quite sunk in yet.
“I didn’t really know what to think,” she said.
“It was the toughest test of my boxing life so far so to get a win was just amazing, especially with my coaches and friends in my corner celebrating with me.”
The 17-year-old wasn’t the only Moorey’s student to shine at the tournament, with 15-year-old Devan Ninyette showing his skills by taking out a third-place finish in the 66kg division.
The young gun fought a tough battle in his semi final, just coming up short despite putting in a blistering display.
Both boxers qualified for the national championship event after fighting their way to their respective WA state teams, and will now push for selection to the Oceania Youth Continental Championships in Samoa later this year.
The pair have been boxing for a combined 15 years, with both now training roughly 12 hours a week out of Moorey’s in Falcon.
Coach Jason Moore was full of praise for the up and coming boxers.
“For them to get as far as they have shows just how dedicated they are to their training, and they deserve every award they get,” he said.
“For Sophie to come away with a national championship, that’s just huge, and Devan fought really well and unfortunately just came up short.
“We’re all extremely proud of how they competed.”
The duo will now return to training at Moorey’s Martial Arts.
To find out more about the gym call 9586 2006 or visit their headquarters at 2/22 Galbraith Loop, Falcon.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
