MORE than 450 spectators packed The Link at YMCA Victoria Point on Saturday as the inaugural Neon Boxing Classic established itself as one of the biggest amateur boxing tournaments ever held in the Redlands.
Hosted by Neon Boxing Academy, the event attracted more than 90 athletes and over 60 coaches from across Queensland, transforming the venue into a buzzing hub of sporting action.
For Neon Boxing Academy, the tournament was about more than wins and losses. The aim was to showcase boxing to the wider community and highlight the positive culture, sportsmanship and opportunities the sport provides.
The result exceeded expectations.
Athletes from rival clubs cheered each other on, coaches worked together behind the scenes and supporters filled the venue from start to finish, creating an atmosphere that was both fiercely competitive and overwhelmingly positive.
Spectators witnessed the depth of talent emerging through Australia’s amateur boxing ranks, with athletes displaying skill, discipline, courage and respect in every contest.
Adding to the entertainment, local children stepped into the spotlight as ring boys and ring girls. Their confident struts, dance moves and even the occasional moonwalk quickly made them crowd favourites, adding to the
family-friendly atmosphere.
One of the major highlights was the introduction of showcase bouts featuring standout junior, female, masters and male contests.
Winners received a Neon Boxing Classic medal and a PowrBox Boxing prize pack valued at approximately $500, including gloves, hand wraps, headgear and groin protection.
Adding further excitement was a special appearance from former IBF world champion Liam Paro.
Paro spent time taking photos, signing autographs and chatting with aspiring boxers ahead of his June 24 showdown against undefeated Irishman Lewis Crocker at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena.
While the event itself was the major success story, Team Neon also enjoyed several memorable performances in front of its home crowd.
Samuel Delaney Law enjoyed one of the loudest support crews of the tournament, with friends and family travelling from North Stradbroke Island to cheer him on. Backed by a passionate Straddie contingent, he landed some impressive combinations in his victory.
The perfect finale came in the last bout of the evening as Kipa “Tha Ripa” Keremete faced Australia’s number one 70kg boxer, Oliver Wilson, in what many described as the fight of the night.
With the crowd on its feet, both athletes delivered a contest worthy of a main event. Every exchange was met with cheers as Keremete produced a brilliant display of skill, power and ring IQ to secure a convincing victory and bring the inaugural Neon Boxing Classic to a spectacular close.
For organisers, however, the biggest victory was not recorded on the scorecards.
It was seeing hundreds of people come together to celebrate amateur sport, community and opportunity.
What began as a simple idea for a local boxing tournament has quickly grown into one of the largest amateur boxing events the Redlands has seen.
Judging by the response from athletes, coaches and spectators, it is only the beginning.
Neon Boxing Academy has already set its sights on making the Neon Boxing Classic an annual event.
