Gunnedah-based boxer Mace Eveleigh is the new Australian GLIBI featherweight champion after winning his bout with James Moshe at the Sydney-based Arena Sports Club last Saturday night.

It is the highest achievement so far for Eveleigh, who had his first fight about five years ago and has had mixed results at local, state and national level.

“It has been a long, hard road,” he said.

“I’ve had my ups, I’ve had my downs, but I’ve stuck to it.

“It’s been so rewarding to finally reap the rewards.”

Eveleigh also fought Moshe twice last year, with Moshe winning the first encounter as they vied for State of Origin boxing selection before Eveleigh won the return bout as a New England regional title was up for grabs.

Moshe went on to win an Australian title last year, making Eveleigh determined to earn this crown which resulted in another showdown involving the duo.

The combatants had only two weeks’ notice as last Saturday’s bout was arranged at short notice, but Eveleigh said he felt ready and in good shape.

The bout comprised four rounds, with a split decision (SD) verdict eventually going Eveleigh’s way.

Eveleigh recorded a knockdown in the first round and felt like he maintained the upper hand as Moshe didn’t seem to like his opponent’s power shots, although the Gunnedah boxer said it was a tough fight as expected.

“After two rounds I felt he (Moshe) would hang in there,” Eveleigh said.

“I had to dig deep, and keep the pace up. By the third or fourth round I felt he was getting tired.

“He had a confident façade but I don’t think he expected the fight he got.”

A member of Black n Blue Boxing Gunnedah, Eveleigh said the plan was “pretty basic” while Moshe “showed some new colours”.

“We had an open mind,” Eveleigh said.

“We knew he was talented, and we knew he was crafty.”

Eveleigh said it could feel very lonely in the boxing ring with an opponent, while he respected his opponents.

Eveleigh described Moshe as “a very genuine bloke”, and said the combatants didn’t want to badly hurt each other or inflict long-term damage.

“They’re my opponent, not my enemy,” he said.

“A lot about amateur boxing is based around safety.”

Eveleigh thanked his supporters who travelled to watch him, saying it was great to see Gunnedah locals among the crowd in a metropolitan area.

One of Eveleigh’s coaches, James Hogbin, said, “It’s a credit to Mace and all the other Black n Blue boxers for staying ready and working hard year round to take advantage of opportunities like this (in regards to the short notice bout).

“It’s very easy to take breaks and ease up on the training when there is no upcoming fights or visible goal in sight or within reach, but the attitude across the board at the gym is constant development and giving ourselves the best opportunity possible to seize these moments when they arise.”

Eveleigh is already preparing for his next bout, which will be at Lemon Tree Passage near Newcastle on March 15 with no particular title on offer.

In the meantime, the 21-year-old Gunnedah-based boxer said he would wait and see if anyone wanted to challenge him for the Australian GLIBI featherweight title.

Eveleigh said he was also thinking about when – not if – he would move from amateur to professional boxing.

“I don’t need to rush into it,” he said.

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