State title boxing wins

The Umina PCYC boxing team has ended two months of competition winning medals in the state titles, according to boxing director and coach Mr Joel Keegan.

Mr Keegan said the team of six local boxers came away from the NSW State Titles, held at Brighton Le Sands last month, with one silver and five gold medals.

"Cliff Harris, Willis Meehan, Louis Meehan, Ryan McShane and Jordan Bunder all won gold medals, with Jai Opetaia taking out the silver medal in a hotly-disputed decision," Mr Keegan said.

"This was a fantastic effort from a team that has been performing outstandingly well all over the past 12 months.

"The highlights were probably Jordan Bunder's second round stoppage of the incredibly tough Cessnock boxer Ian Hindmarsh, to win the 81 kilogram Open Seniors belt, as well as Cliff Harris's tough-decision win over Zaid Aity of Wollongong to win the 60 kilogram intermediate division.

"This follows some outstanding results by the Umina team at the National Golden Gloves held in Caboolture, Queensland, a fortnight earlier."

Mr Keegan said the Golden Gloves event was the biggest amateur boxing tournament in Australia, with teams from every state and some from New Zealand and other Oceania countries taking part.

"In what was an indication of what the Peninsula can look forward to, boom youngster Satali Tevi-Fuimuono was able to claim his first national title with a first round stoppage of his older and much more experienced Queensland opponent," Mr Keegan said.

"Satali's speed, power, and commitment to training has seen him stop his six opponents, and at the tender age of 12 anything could be possible for this impressive young man.

"Satali ticks every box - super skilled, loads of power, mentally tough, and keen to learn.

"It is so rare to be this good, this early.

"In another head turning performance, Jai Opetaia dominated Blake Reis to claim the 81 kilogram youth title.

"It was a polished performance, full of class and plenty of power that has this kid in great position for a shot at next year's World Junior Championships.

"Willis and Louis Meehan, sons of heavyweight contender Kali Meehan, gave a glimpse of what could be a new dynasty, with a gold and silver medal respectively.

Mr Keegan said he had his eyes set on next year's World Championships for several members in the Umina PCYC boxing team.

Press release, 22 Sep 2010 Joel Keegan, Umina PCYC Boxing Academy