Macklin Riley has been boxing just a few months but his mentors say he is already demonstrating great potential.
The 18-year-old from Gunnedah’s Black and Blue Boxing Gym claimed a win in his first amateur fight last month.
Riley took on a boxer two years his senior who had two bouts to his name including a win.
He fought bravely at the Bankstown venue as the only Gunnedah fighter on the card for the night.
Riley’s trainer Toby Wilkins championed the young fighter’s competence.
“The kid shows great natural ability,” Wilkins said.
“He spent the first round out-boxing the bloke.
“He was impressive.”
Riley’s opponent tried a few “dirty tactics” later in the three-round bout, forcing the Gunnedah fighter to take evasive action.
“The referee deducted one point for holding but [Riley] had no choice,” the trainer said.
Despite the points deficit, the Gunnedah boxer held on to win in a split points decision.
It was just rewards for the Riley, who only started boxing this year and has focused all his efforts on further honing his boxing skills.
“He has a love for the sport,” Wilkins said.
“I’d turn up to the gym and every single time he’d be waiting there for the gym to open.”
With one win from as many fights now under his belt, it will be some busy months ahead for Riley.
He is waiting to be matched for a bout on the Central Coast in September, before heading west for a Dubbo fight in October and returning to box in Gunnedah in December.
To order photos from this page click here
