Travers won gold and is now off to the Ukraine where he will fight at World Junior Amateur Boxing Championships for a second year in a row, while Messina is aiming for a Commonwealth Games berth.

Travers’ fought in Armenia at the world titles last year and now he gets another crack at the titles when he travels to Kyiv in the Ukraine.

His coach, and father, John said he is immensely proud of all of his fighters who fought last weekend, which includes his other children Luke, Tiffani and Jessie Travers.

“They all did really well and I’m very proud of them,” he said.

“Blake fought twice and won his first fight by 8-4. He then won the final 12-5 against the undefeated Bailey Lindsey and he cruised, he never got out of first gear.

“Luke won his first fight by stopping the other boy in the second round and in the final everyone thought he won the but they said he lost in a very close

decision.

“Tiffani fought Shaniqua Johnson who normally fights as a senior and it was another really close one. Tiffani put up a great effort and she did really well despite losing.

“Jessie fought as a senior even though he’s only 16 and hadn’t even fought as a youth yet so it was a big step up for him. He did great and only lost by a couple of points to Ben Densio so overall I’m so happy and proud of all of them.”

Another local in Messina travelled to the titles and walked away with gold, an effort her coach Kevin Raymond is thrilled with.

“I’m super proud of Jess’s effort. She’s a great listener, she’s smart and puts in 110 percent,” Raymond said.

“In her first fight, she defeated Gabrielle Brown from Victoria and then went on to fight Cassendra Leah to take out the title.”

Messina, who is studying a degree at university to become a teacher, said she was ready for all challenges.

“I’m very excited and happy with how I went,” she said.

“Everyone around me gives me heaps of support so if I believe I can do it then I can do anything.”

“It’s going to be tough to get her fights from now on because she’s only had three but has won them all and is Australian Champion. So our next goal is going to be the Commonwealth Games.

“I’m confident in her and if she sets her mind to it then she’ll go well. She believed in herself for the Australian titles and if she does the same for the Commonwealth Games then the sky is the limit.

Another Port Macquarie boxer, Jundumarra Layton, came home with a bronze medal.

Read more about his efforts next week in the Port News.