REDLAND Bay’s local boxing gym, Neon Boxing Academy, has delivered another week of remarkable achievement, pairing national championship success with honours at the 2025 Redlands Coast Sports Awards.
Neon athlete Gene “The Machine” Keremete claimed gold in the Elite 65kg division at the Boxing Australia National Championships, completing a disciplined, technically sharp tournament run across the week.
Keremete’s campaign showcased controlled movement, smart distance establishment, strong bodywork, and composure in high-pressure exchanges, particularly during the finals bout against his South Australian opponent.
Meanwhile, the club’s national success was mirrored on home soil at the Redlands Coast Sports Awards gala dinner, where Head Coach and Co-Founder, Leon Lay – better known as “Coach Neon Leon” – was announced as the 2025 Redlands Coast Coach of the Year.
Leon Lay’s accolade recognises a coaching philosophy that extends beyond athlete performance, rooted deeply in personal development, consistency, mental clarity, and community-centred leadership.
Since opening Neon Boxing Academy in December 2023, Coach Leon has guided champions across state and national stages, embedded holistic workshops into his fight-team training, and fostered a culture where progress is valued over praise, and showing up is a discipline.
“We build athletes, but more importantly, we build confident, grounded humans,” Coach Leon said.
The club’s second major honour of the evening went to Keremete, who was announced as 2025 Redlands Coast Sportsman of the Year.
His award celebrates national-level excellence, but also the characteristics that define him within the local boxing community: resilience, coachability, teamwork, leadership through action, and inspiring belief in those around him.
Known for his calm preparation, sharp fight IQ, steadiness under pressure, and his electric celebration spirit post-win, Keremete continues to reflect Neon’s academy culture of punching with purpose.
Next up for Gene “The Machine” Keremete – his sights are firmly fixed on 2026 Commonwealth Games.
