Ed Abel, chief instructor Nick Lundh and Shane McDonald from Lilydale Youth Club drove 10 hours to compete in the Australian Amateur Boxing Titles in Parkes, New South Wales.By Melissa Meehan
TWO members of boxing and kickboxing club Lilydale Youth Club came home from the recent Australian Amateur Boxing Titles with a gold and silver medal to their names.
Ed Abel and Shane McDonald both made the finals of their boxing classes, while Ricki McKenzie was unable to attend the titles, in Parkes, New South Wales, due to work commitments.
Abel took part in two fights at the titles in Super Welterweight Division.
The first was against Michael Raymond from New South Wales on the first day of competition, knocking out his opponent in the third round.
His next fight was for the title on 1 December against Jordan Gee-Hoy from Queensland.
Abel lost a close points decision to gain the silver medal in the Australian titles.
Chief instructor Nick Lundh said Abel fought the event’s most experienced fighter, who was soon turning professional, having fought more than 60 bouts with Abel only having 10 fights.
“Ed had performed way beyond expectations and looked at times that he could take the fight away from the Queenslander,” Lundh said.
Shane McDonald went straight to the finals fighting fellow Victorian Ross Saggers in the Super Heavyweight class.
“Shane knocked out Ross in the first round to become the Australian Super Heavy Weight Champion,” Lundh said.
McDonald said it was good to see his hard work since picking up boxing gloves eight years ago had paid off.
“I started this sport eight years ago,” he said.
“I really like the one-on-one aspect of the sport.
“It means that it’s me that either wins or loses, I don’t have to rely on others.”
