Boxing is back, better than ever

Originally published in The Nyngan Weekly

After two years of COVID-19 disruption, boxing is back better than ever, and locals are getting behind the sport.

Boxers from Nyngan's The Shed Boxing Club have a huge second half of the year lined up with at least six fight nights booked in before a local one to be held in November.

One of the best locals on show is young Sonny Knight. After starting to box with coach Troy Richards nearly 10 years ago, Knight has honed his skills to become one of the best boxers in the state.

"Sonny Knight has kept his training going over the course of a very tough footy season with the Tigers and will be on fire with his training by the time the footy season has come to an end," said Richards.

After over a year off, Knight recently fought in Wollongong, accepting a last-minute offer to get in the ring.

In a split decision, Knight lost the fight in front of a largely one-sided crowd. Richards said that like in any sport, having a crowd on your side can be a huge factor in getting over the line.

"Doesn't matter what sport it is, if there's a good vocal crowd behind you, it'll sway the judges or the referees," said Richards.

"It was a split decision, so I lost in the last minute or so in the last round, it was just on points, it wasn't a knockout," said Knight.

“It was a bit of a rough call but we're going back down there in four weeks to fight again."

Knight is now only two wins away from qualifying for an Australian global title. Richards is hoping that with dedication to training over the next few months Knight might have an Australian Title shot in Nyngan.

"You need a 50/50 ratio, so you need five wins from 10 fights, so I've only got to win one more to quality so that's pretty cool," said Knight.

Richards is holding his breath in hope that Knight will be able to pull out the goods over the coming months.

"This would be an amazing achievement for a local boxer, an Australian title holder in Nyngan, I'm pretty sure that has never been achieved." said Richards.

Knight is well known for his skills on the footy field, and he said that it's a very different experience moving between team and individual sports.

"On the footy field, we've 12 of them, 12 other people but when you're in the ring and you're fighting, you're all on your own. So as soon as you step in that ring, you're by yourself other than your coach. It's a lonely man sport, you're just all on your own, but I just love the passion around it."

Knight said that boxing had kept him busy and out of trouble, giving him somewhere to be and something to focus on.

"It taught me discipline. I'd be in a bit of trouble, I wouldn't be the person I am without it, so it's kind of saved."

Richards said that his boxers that play football too bring great benefit to their teammates. The additional fitness, determination, and self-discipline can be useful during games.

Working in the other direction however, as with most dual-athletes, footy can be a risk for boxers. No better example is young Will Richards, who is out of action at the moment after sustaining a knee injury playing for the Tigers.

The former state junior champion was injured just a week and a half before he was due to fight in Wollongong. Though he has been cleared from needing surgery, he has a long recovery ahead of him.

Also building up their fitness and skillset at the club are Adi Spicer, Cale Dunn, Bill Quarmby, and Chris Carter. Spicer has returned to boxing after nearly eight years out of the ring, while Dunn is experiencing the ring for the first time.

Dunn had his first spar in Dubbo last weekend and looked promising said Richards. After moving to Nyngan 12 months ago Carter has recently entered the ring and according to Richards shaping up to be a nifty boxer.

Another footy convert is Quarmby, who focusing on the Nyngan fight night coming up later this year.

Richards said he is pleased to see how well the sport is growing in Nyngan and hopes to see more people entering the sport.

"You don't have to be a world champion to have a crack, just a bit of guts might help," he laughed.