Weston-trained boxer Zach Grainger will fight for NSW at the Australian amateur boxing titles in Perth just a year a year after taking up the sport.
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Grainger, whose family has a rich heritage of sporting success, has all the attributes to go far in boxing.
Balance, good footwork, punching power and speed, strong defence and a dedication to trainining hard.
But the 15-year-old from Maitland still has a lot of work to do on his fighter’s stare. A beaming smile rarely leaves his face even during arduous sparring sessions.
Then again Jack Dempsey one of the greatest fighters of all time also had an ever present smile.
“I’m a shocker. I just can’t do a glare or look serious,” Grainger said ahead of an exhibition bout on Saturday night before flying out to Perth with the NSW amateur boxing team.
“Boxing’s my main sport now. I did want to fight but my main reason was to get fitter and stronger when I first came.
“But I’ve become hooked and love it.”
Grainger’s bout is one of eight fights on the under-card to his trainer Tyson Lantry’s battle for the vacant NSW professional lightweight title against Sydney-based Ghanaian fighter Isaaka Issah at the Rise and Grind IV fight night at Telarah Bowling Club.
Team Lantry fighters include female boxers Sarah Nichols and Madeline Benson as well as Josh Summerville, Billy Baker, Bradley Coulthard, Ashley York and Chris Duffie.
Lantry said Saturday night was an exciting opportunity for all the fighter involved, although Grainger, who fights at 54kg, would be limited to an exhibition bout.
He said Grainger’s progress had been incredible and reflected his dedication to training and willingness to learn his craft.
“He had his first fight just over a year ago. He won the NSW title a year and a week after his first fight,” Lantry said.
“Zach’s had six fights now, four wins and two losses.
“HIs first loss was in his first fight and the second was two fights ago and we weren’t too happy with the decision and we demanded a rematch straight away and got it.
“The next fight after the rematch, which he won comfortably, we put him down for the NSW State Open Titles and he stepped up and won that one so he is off to the Australian titles with the NSW team.”
Lantry said the inclusion of two female bouts on the Rise and Grind IV card was an exciting development.
“Women’s boxing has taken off in Australia. A lot of women have come in for fitness but Sarah and Madeline are the first who want to get in the ring. They are doing really well.” he said.
Tickets to Rise and Grind IV are available at Telarah Bowling Club.
