Two competitors from the Gunnedah-based Black ‘n’ Blue boxing gym returned home with a national title, following the Boxing League Australian titles at Nerang from November 21 to 23.
With the Gunnedah-based club having three boxers competing at the event, Shawn Hanslow won a super heavyweight bout while Matthew Williams won a heavyweight bout.
Michael Borradaile competed in a bantamweight bout, with the decision going against him despite his gallant efforts against a Victorian champion.
The occasion was Hanslow’s first Australian title, while Williams had won an Australian title at last year’s national titles at the Central Coast Sporting Complex.
With about 50 amateur bouts on each of the three days at this year’s Australian titles, a specific verdict – whether it be a unanimous decision, split decision or technical knockout – was often not awarded.
Hanslow, who returned to boxing earlier this year following a break of more than a decade from the sport, said it was a career highlight to win an Australian title while he “still can’t get over it”.
“It has been a very good year,” he said.
With four rounds of two minutes each, Hanslow said he felt calm and didn’t panic while feeling he won each round.
Hanslow and his opponent, Bronson McCook of Queensland, landed several hefty blows to the head and body while an uppercut from Hanslow left McCook with a cut under his eye.
Hanslow said he didn’t take his opponent lightly, and couldn’t afford to be cocky as he strived to get better.
“Nothing good ever comes from having a big head,” he said.
Hanslow has had little time to savour his title, as his next bout is scheduled for Newcastle this Saturday night with a belt up for grabs.
Williams said he too felt he had the better of his opponent at Nerang, with the Gunnedah-based boxer saying “he didn’t worry me too much” although he was still tough.
Williams’s opponent, Rathony Kelvin, was also from Queensland while he “had some power” in his game, according to Williams.
“I took some good ones and I landed some good ones,” Williams said.
“I felt I could fight the way I wanted.
“To win an Australian title means a lot.”
Williams’s next bout is unknown, as he said he would take a break for the remainder of this year and hopefully resume early in the new year.
Meanwhile, another member of Black ‘n’ Blue had a bout on November 22.
Jonty Raaen won by technical knockout in the second round of his fight with Zachariah Norton in the light heavyweight division at the Mates In Mining Fight Night at East Cessnock Bowling Club.
Raaen had previously won at this event, which aims to raise money for mental health and suicide prevention in the mining industry.
Gunnedah’s Jonty Raaen squares off with Zachariah Norton at the Mates In Mining Fight Night. Photo: Supplied.
