Fight Night attracts competitors from across WA

Boxing was brought back to the Pilbara for the first time in two years on Friday night, as athletes from all around the State pulled on their gloves.

Unit 2 Boxing teamed up with the Landing Resort for the Pilbara Fight Night, hosting juniors and seniors from Port Hedland, Karratha, Derby and Perth, while about 100 community members cheered them on.

The senior match-ups stole the show, with Karratha boxer Cody Scale winning the 75kg title against Wanneroo’s Brandon Bie Bie.

Hedland’s Taylor Coffin won the 81kg title, up against Dhian Uys from Wanneroo in three rounds, all three minutes.

In the final event of the night, Eric Mukandirwa was defeated in a fair match against Ray Gambell from Perth.

Organiser John Van Maanen awarded the title of fighter of the night to Coffin’s outstanding performance on the night.

The juniors had an impressive showing also, with Carvarn Bell defeating Lochlan McHugh for the 40kg title in one of the top match-ups of the night. Other competitors include Montel Pickett, Jullian Witehira, Samson Waiomio and Lucas Waldron.

Before the senior event, Van Maanen said the event was just what the town needed and he hoped to see the Olympic sport grow throughout the region.

“Next year we are opening a boxing program targeting young youth, and the juniors enjoy it,” he said.

“Other towns are pretty keen to get things going and host boxing matches in the upcoming year.”

Jake Peacock from Derby Boxing Club was pleased to see boxing clubs and community members get behind the sport.

“We’re hoping to have a lot more tournaments next year and with the aim to develop boxing in the North West,” he said.

“Boxing teaches discipline and self-control and we try to give that to our boxers.”