THE key to the Hastings recent success in the boxing ring has been something quite simple – working together as a collective unit.
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Port Macquarie Boxing Club coach Dean Groth said it’s been six years in the making, but now Camden Haven, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Wauchope are all on the same page.
Jessica Messina, Felipe Blemith, Scott Chessells, Angus Ponman and Darm Phakphai will all participate at the annual City vs Country tournament on December 3.
It follows on from Renold Quinlan’s knockout victory over Daniel Geale.
“When I started here all those years ago there was rivalry between clubs and we were all fighting each other which I thought was strange,” Groth said.
“Now we’re all sparring at one club or another, we travel away together and we corner each other’s boxers if we can so it’s a good support network just here.
“If you’re fighting each other you get nowhere, I worked that out years ago.”
Groth said Messina had been matched up with a little-known opponent, while Phakphai would have to be at his best.
“Jess has got a 75 kilo girl who is keen for the fight but is nowhere near as experienced as Jess,” he said.
“I think she’s had less than 10 fights, whereas Jess has had 30, but she wants to fight Jess which is great because we just can’t find fights for her.
“Felipe is the best in the country so whoever he fights will need to be the best in the country and I know Darm has a hard one in Josh Fitzpatrick who is one of the best youth boxers in the country.”
It’s been a phenomenal year for the club.
Messina’s efforts in Kazakhstan headlines the list of achievements, but there’s been plenty of others along the way.
“Felipe missed out on Olympic selection by a split decision,” Groth said.
“Then we had two golden gloves and a silver and I’m always asking myself ‘what are we doing right’.”
Groth said the contributions of Kevin Raymond, Paul Grant and Ray Mangan shouldn’t be underestimated.
They get the boxers in the best possible shape.
“It comes down to our coaching team,” Groth said.
“I’ve stepped back from individual coaching to making sure the club runs and we’ve got Kevin and Paul who have dedicated their time.
“Ray puts Phil, Jess and Darm through weight training and the whole team works together now and that’s what’s lifted the club up.”
Groth said to have five selected for NSW Country would ensure they had one of the largest contingents in the team.
“It’s unbelievable to get five in the Country team – we’d have the most representatives in country NSW,” he said.
“Previously we’d have had one or two that have made the team previously.”