Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre to host first boxing event with WWII Mano-O-Mano WA regional titles on Nov 13

It’s been said that boxing is theatre and on November 13, Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre will prove it.

The QPT is better known for concerts, musicals, plays and conferences but now, for the first time, will host the sport.

The card will feature some of WA’s best vying for glory in the second annual WA State Regional Championships. Promoter and head of Peacock’s Boxing Gym Jake Peacock said he was confident the venture would build on the success of last year’s regional titles, held at the Wintersun Hotel.

“It’s officially called WWII Mano-O-Mano and we’re looking at 22 bouts in total including 12 for State regional titles,” Peacock said. “There’ll be a focus on local juniors as it’s important for them to showcase their skills in front of family and friends.”

Frauke Rawlings, now 14 and one of Peacock’s proteges, will face Mandurah’s Oceanna Stevenson in the 60kg class.

This will be tough for Rawlings as Stevenson is a current State Novice Champion.

Another of Peacock’s students, 16-year-old Eric Kyanga, will meet Broome fighter Baden Trunfio at 86kg.

Other juniors will be Shareef Mohammad, 16, from Skybox Gym, and two others from Peacock’s stable in Leighton Reid, 17, and Jett Hewson, 14.

“Support from Perth has been awesome after last year’s went well, with all clubs nominating again, and I’m being contacted every week by other Perth clubs wanting to be involved,” Peacock said. “There will also be fighters from Broome, Wickham, Karratha, Port Kennedy, Mandurah and Bunbury, along with eight Perth clubs, so far.

“It’s coming together — there’ll be something for everyone, seniors, juniors, novices and elite level fighters in divisions from 35kg to 110kg.

“Four 2020 champions will defend their titles and the card will feature two current and one former Australian champion.”

He said last year’s COVID-19 restrictions affected attendance but there were more than 100 spectators and he was hoping the number would be double or more this time, with the QPT seating 750.