RISING Redlands boxing star Gene “The Machine” Keremete has earned a place on the Australian National Team and will represent the country at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England this September.
The 23-year-old welterweight secured his spot after going undefeated in the 60-65kg division at the Australian World Boxing Qualifiers Event held at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra last week.
Keremete was one of three Indigenous athletes from Neon Boxing Academy in Redland Bay who travelled to Canberra to represent Queensland Boxing.
His brother Kipa Keremete, 24, and teammate Luke Morrison, 21, also impressed, both reaching the semi-finals in their divisions.
“This is a huge moment, not just for Gene, but for our entire gym and the Redlands community,” said Karina Lay, manager and co-owner of Neon Boxing Academy.
“To see one of our own earn the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage is incredibly special.”
Ms Lay said Gene’s journey reflected years of dedication, with athletes often making enormous personal sacrifices in pursuit of their dreams.
“These are young athletes who balance elite-level training loads with university study and casual jobs,” she said.
“Gene is studying Nutrition and Dietetics at QUT while working and training – it’s a huge commitment.”
“Many of our athletes, like Gene, are aspiring Olympians, and that level of dedication requires not just talent, but a whole community behind them.”
She said that while their travel to Canberra was partially subsidised by Queensland Boxing, Neon Boxing Academy had to raise funds to cover the athletes’ remaining costs – and the financial burden continues as Gene prepares for the next step.
Neon Boxing Academy has updated its fundraising efforts, launching a new GoFundMe campaign to support Gene’s journey to Liverpool: gofundme.com/f/neon-boxing-gene-world-champs.
The campaign is also supported by Punch with Purpose, a new not-for-profit initiative established by Neon Boxing Academy to create more opportunities for both grassroots and high-performance athletes facing financial barriers.
Head Coach Leon Lay – affectionately known as “Coach Neon Leon” – has guided the trio from their early days in the ring and was part of the coaching team for the Queensland Boxing team at the AIS and able to be in the corner for his athletes.
“I’ve seen the growth in these boys from day one,” Coach Neon said. “Gene went into the selection trials with quiet confidence, and he fought with absolute composure and heart.”
Neon Boxing Academy is now calling on the Redlands community to help send Gene to the world stage.
“Every donation, every share of the fundraiser – it all makes a difference,” Ms Lay said.
“Gene’s journey is one the whole community can be proud of.”
