By KARINA LAY
IT has already been a huge month for Redlands-based Neon Boxing Academy, with athletes achieving outstanding results internationally and locally, and earning major recognition within both the Queensland and Redlands sporting communities.
Earlier this month, both Kipa “Tha Ripa” Keremete and Gene “The Machine” Keremete represented Australia overseas, returning home with gold and bronze medals between them.
Kipa claimed the win in New Zealand at the Battle at Brewtown, competing in the 70kg division as part of an Australia vs New Zealand showcase event held in Upper Hutt, Wellington.
Walking into a packed stadium filled with loud home-country support for his Kiwi opponent, Kipa stayed composed and stuck to the game plan.
After a tactical round 1, reading distance and timing, round 2 turned into a full war with heavy punch-for-punch exchanges, tight defensive slips, and pressure-based counters that shifted momentum in Australia’s favour.
In round 3, the fight exploded into high-tempo action, with both boxers leaving everything in the ring.
Kipa controlled the final minutes with relentless forward pressure and clean scoring shots, earning him a split decision victory and the gold medal for Australia.
Meanwhile, Gene earned a bronze medal at the world-class Tammer Tournament in Tampere, Finland, representing Australia in the 65kg division.
The Tammer event is one of Europe’s most respected amateur tournaments.
Last Saturday, Neon Boxing Academy travelled to the Gold Coast for the Matrix Tournament, where the team delivered a dominant performance.
Four athletes stepped into the ring and all four walked away winners.
Madden MacAulay impressed on debut, Luke Morrison dominated his opponent, Kipa Keremete outlasted his opponent, and Gene Keremete closed the event with a masterclass.
