Rebels Boxing coach Robbie Sbeghen has managed to not only produce one but two state champions during a three-day boxing event at Acacia Ridge.
On Friday, 52kg boxer Joe Bennett, 14, drew the very experienced southpaw Darcy O’Malley from All Stars Boxing Gym in the state title semi-final. Darcy fought hard to the end but Joe managed to go through to the final on Saturday.
Before the final, Joe had to lose some weight before weigh-in at 8am.
“He was up at 6pm running in his tracksuit and beanie to get the weight off,” said father Chris Bennett.
He then went to Acacia Ridge went comfortably underweight and came up against Kye Lawler from Warwick Boxing Club. Despite an awkward opponent, Joe took the Under 17 state title for the 52kg category.
Livai Savuro at 60kg also fought in the final on Saturday, against Harlem Lepua from Bethania Boxing Club.
“Bethania is probably the best gym in Qld,” said Sbeghen. “You are always in for a tough time when fighting a Bethania kid.”
Despite a bad cold all week and going into the fight, Livai “really did give (a) 110% effort” and won the fight.
Both boxers had just returned from the US.
“Livai and Joe have been doing well in training, they have both had some very tough fights leading up to this event,” Sheghen said.
“They both had some very skilled and experienced opponents in their weight divisions in the States and they now in the Qld boxing team.”
The national titles are at Melbourne one week after a Rebels Boxing tournament at Ipswich Showgrounds on July 2.
