Geraldton talent steps up at State boxing event

A State boxing title came back to Geraldton over the weekend. Jake Craig-Fraser, 17, was already a Novice titleholder and brought back the Bronze Gloves title after his match in Perth. Fighting out of the Skybox Studio gym, he defeated Roy Kickett, representing Pinkys in the 69kg youth class. Meanwhile, Skybox’s Dean Fairclough, a boxing and Muay Thai coach, will head back to the city this weekend for the Bronze Gloves finals after he went through in what coaches said was an “absolute battle” with Tynan McNamara, representing the Fox’s gym. Head coach Teegan Webb said young Jake had the goods to impress. “Jake absolutely shines in the ring,” she said. “Not only is he a talented boxer, but he is a fearless, relentless and tough competitor.” Both fighters were competing in their fourth career bouts. In ones to watch for the future, 15-year-old taekwondo competitor Shareef Mohammad was not able to add to the State Novice runner-up place he won in his debut boxing bout earlier this year, losing a close match-up. Co-head coach Ade Webb said he would be back. “Shareef has a natural style, and can shuffle better than Ali,” he said. Highly rated local youngster Frauke Rawlings, 13, boxed well and took the bout to a split decision, which did not go in her favour. Ade said she was one to watch. “She is an incredible young boxer, and she has spent countless hours in our gym getting in some sparring rounds. “We are proud to have been a part of her journey through boxing, often watching her compete in Perth when we are down with our fight team. It’s great to see so much young local talent get together for training, and clubs supporting one another to better our boxers.” Teegan Webb said the competitors did it for the “absolute love of the sport” and trained, dropped weight and bore the expenses and travel to compete.