REBELS Boxing Club is punching well above its weight with fighters excelling across the ages, led by a 52-year-old workhorse fighter.
Out of the Walloon-based club, Kim Bennett took out the Masters Games 57.5kg female Gold Medal recently.
Ms Bennett has been training for four years at Rebels to secure the big win by way of unanimous points decision.
The bi-annual tournament held on the Gold Coast last weekend saw 100 bouts across three days of competition.
Athletes ranged in ages from 35 to 70 years, showcasing talent of all ages throughout the competition.
“It was a tough fight as my NSW opponent was much younger,” Ms Bennett said.
“You really know your age when the fists start flying.
“The fights were held over 3 x 2-minute rounds.
“I was light at the weigh in under 54kg after having breakfast, but not concerned as I felt strong and been doing a lot of running in the mornings.
“It was a great tournament, I got to catch up with some boxing friends and previous opponents.”
Rebels Head Coach Robbie Sbeghan said Ms Bennett works hard in the gym.
“She works just as hard as the kids in training,” he said.
“I knew she could do it; her fitness and skills are very good.
“As part of her lead up training she was sparring Sienna from Warriors Boxing Club, the current 16-year-old Australian Champion.
“She also was sparring with the boys at Rebels including Max another current Australian Champion.”
Bennett had a great cornerman in son Joseph, who said his mum had a plan and she stuck to it.
“She had a high work rate, we studied previous fights and we knew Mum had to work hard because her opponent is a very tough walk forward fighter,” son Joseph said.
“Mum was faster and kept setting her up with some big body shots, but she just kept coming, a very tough opponent, that’s for sure.”
Bennet had previously played soccer for many years until ankle and knee injuries slowed her down, when she took up boxing.
She now also trains the Rosewood United Women and the CFFA Qld Open Women Soccer teams.
