FROM July 15 to 19, the International Golden Gloves lit up the Eagles Sports Complex in Mansfield with five massive days of world-class boxing.
The event saw 760 nominations and over 470 bouts, with athletes from across Australia, New Zealand, India and the Pacific Islands vying for one of the most coveted titles on the amateur boxing calendar – the Golden Gloves.
Neon Boxing Academy, Redland Bay sent six fierce and focused athletes into the competition, walking away with two Golden Gloves champions, one Silver Gloves medallist, and two impressive semi-finalists.
KIPA “THA RIPA” KEREMETE — 4 x GOLDEN GLOVE CHAMPION
In one of the most competitive divisions of the tournament, Kipa “Tha Ripa” Keremete proved once again why he’s a dominant force in Australian amateur boxing.
Competing in the Elite Men’s 70kg Open Division, Kipa went to war across four consecutive days, emerging victorious and claiming his fourth straight International Golden Gloves title – a monumental feat in any division, let alone one stacked with top-tier international talent.
His journey to gold:
- Day 1: Scheduled to face an opponent from India who withdrew – a lucky escape for them.
- Day 2: A dominant quarter-final performance against a tough NSW opponent, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.
- Day 3: A tactical and gritty semi-final win over New Zealand’s No.1, showcasing Kipa’s ring IQ, composure and relentless work rate.
- Day 4: In the Final, Kipa put on a clinical show of boxing against New Zealand’s No.2, outboxing and outclassing him to secure the gold.
“BOXER WILL” TURNBULL — GOLDEN GLOVES DEBUT & A GOLD WIN
In what can only be described as a dream debut, “Boxer Will” Turnbull stepped into the ring for the first time in the U13 46kg division at the prestigious Golden Gloves – and walked out with the Golden Gloves and a statement win.
Straight into the finals on the Tuesday, Will was beyond excited for his very first bout.
Calm, composed, and fearless, he executed with precision, scoring a second-round stoppage and forcing his opponent’s corner to throw in the towel.
From his walkout to the final bell, Will displayed the kind of poise and power you’d expect from a far more experienced athlete.
It was a textbook debut performance – clean, clinical and commanding.
He didn’t just win – he announced himself.
And with that, 11-year-old “Boxer Will” officially arrived on the amateur boxing scene, Golden Gloves around his neck and a bright future ahead.
ZAHARA “THE MAD CINDERELLA” LANE — SILVER GLOVES WARRIOR
Zahara had a bye and went straight into the Elite Female 65kg final on Saturday, where she started strong and boxed with clear intent.
Unfortunately, an eight count shook her, and the referee called a halt to the bout in the second round.
Still, Zahara’s courage and growth were undeniable, and she walked away with the Silver Gloves.
