Stadium required for Wonthaggi’s champions
BOXING is growing in Wonthaggi, and with it the need for a bigger gym.
It is just one more reason Wonthaggi is crying out for a proper sports stadium.
For the past four years, the Wonthaggi Boxing Club has operated from a facility at the old Miners Rest motel.
The gym is often alive with activity, and it has produced champions.
However, as it’s popularity grows, the less space there is for these champions to train in.
“We definitely need something like it (a stadium). There’s not a great deal for young people to do here,” boxing trainer and owner of the gym Scott Williamson said.
“We need a bigger premises and we are open to any suggestions. Boxing has become a lifestyle for some of the people who train with us. We need a bigger space so we can grow.”
Men and women from all walks of life have found a place at the gym
Scott is yet to discuss his facility requirements with Bass Coast Shire Council, but he will be looking for ways to expand his facilities and offer opportunities to more athletes.
The gym now has eight registered amateur boxers and 40 people overall who come along to work on their fitness.
“There’s never any pressure for someone to get in the ring. Some will see others sparring and want to give it a go, and if I think they are ready we give them a go. Some decide it’s not for them and keep going with the fitness, but others become really keen to get involved and it becomes a way of life.”
Wonthaggi’s Charles Joma is one such boxer who has put in a lot of time and dedication at the gym.
“Charles is a fit, lean young boxer who is here five nights a week at least. Some days you have to kick him out,” Scott said.
Charles recently won the Golden Gloves –a national four day event held in Brisbane – as an intermediate.
Stony Creek’s Mick Cunningham has also done the club proud, after winning the main bout in the club’s first international trip. He now fights at an elite level.
The club has the Youth State Titles in Brunswick to look forward to in February. Charles will fight in the 64 kilogram division and the club has high hopes for his success.
“If he wins he will be selected to go to the Australian Titles in Adelaide. We think he’s got a pretty good chance,” Scott said.
“If he wins the Australian Titles, he has a chance of going to the Worlds in Barbados.”
Mick will also be fighting for world selection in Brunswick. He and Charles are booked for a warm up fight in Adelaide in early February to get them ready for what’s to come.
“They’ll be matched with some pretty good opponents and it will be a great experience for them,” Scott said.
“We’ve travelled to Tasmania, Adelaide, Cairns and Melbourne over the past few years. It’s good for the youth to get out of their own town.”
At the gym, boxers are trained to improve their technique and learn the boxing fundamentals.
Helping Scott out during the sessions is assistant trainer Steve Dunn, as well as Pete Peitrou and Russell Thomas.
“There’s a lot involved with learning techniques and the gym gives people a good place to start. It’s great for youth because it teaches them hard work, motivation and not to give up,” Scott said.
“It builds their confidence and brings them out of their shell. It gives them a great new skill and teaches them dedication. There’s always someone for young athletes to look up to and mentor them. It’s like a second home to them and not only are you their trainer; you’re someone for them to talk to.”
The gym is open from 5.30pm to 7.30pm every weeknight and opens on some weekends for group training.
Training and fitness: trainer and owner of the Wonthaggi Boxing Club gym Scott Williamson has encouraged people from all walks of life to build up their boxing techniques or work on their fitness in an inclusive environment since the club’s inception.
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Posted by Sarah Vella on Jan 24 2017. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
