World champion airlifted in for massive boxing event

The fight night was the brainchild of Hervey Bay boxing trainer Todd Hanns and wife Kim, who train amateur fighters in their Powerhouse Boxing Gym in their home-based gym at Wondunna.

With guest of honour, former WBO welterweight world champion Jeff Horn, ringside, the special event featured 29 amateur bouts and 12 fights between local tradies.

All the tradies had to go through a six-week training course through Boxing Queensland before they were allowed to fight.

A huge crowd of about 2000 cheered on the amateurs and the tradies, with Rodd Hann hailing the fight night a big success.

“It was an absolute fantastic night,” he said.

“We have had nothing but positive feedback from everyone who attended.

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“We have been absolutely inundated with comments and messages about how great the event was.

“Everyone has said we need more events like this on the Fraser Coast.”

Fighters from as far as Brisbane in the south and Dysart in the state’s north with others from as far west as Dalby taking part in the event.

All monies raised will be used to help amateur boxers from the Powerhouse Boxing Gym.

Georgia Lawson, Bodhi Davis and Elijah Mason will be part of the Queensland team at the 2023 Australian Schools Boxing Championships taking place at the Dom Polski in Adelaide from July 5-8, while Zac Lovekin will take part in the Australian Elite Boxing Championships from August 8-12

“There were 24 businesses who went head-to-head competing for a Tradies Fight Night championship belt,” Hann added.

“It was so great to have the support of so many local businesses, and have them be a part of our event.

“They helped raise funds for the kids to be able to achieve their dreams.”

The highlight of the night was former WBO welterweight world champion Jeff Horn arriving in a helicopter, meeting everyone attending, getting photos and signing autographs.

Hand said there were so.many people to thank for getting the fight night up and running and he hoped it could become an annual event.

“Triple M’s Cam the Bearded Bandit and Lee Winger were the masters of ceremonies and did an amazing job,” he said.

“We would like to wholeheartedly thank all our sponsors and the businesses involved.

“We were blown away by the generosity and support from the community.

“We would also like to thank the army of volunteers who are more like family, the Hervey Bay Sports Club for allowing us to hold the event there and lastly Boxing Queensland for all the help and support.”