Geraldton fighters split results at special bouts as fighters prepare for state and national titles

Boxing WA held special bouts over the weekend as three Geraldton fighters made their way to Perth in what were the final fight opportunities before State titles.

Sarah Butler, a seasoned boxer from Skybox, faced off against Karley Hayes from fighter fit gym in Perth but unfortunately came up short on a close decision.

Despite the loss, Butler remained humble and acknowledged her opponent’s strength.

“Karley is a tough and experienced fighter, and I think I let that get the better of me,” she said.

“That said, I fully recognise that the fight I had was not something I could’ve pulled off all that long ago, so I’m still really happy that the work is improving as we go.”

Butler has been active in fighting both in Perth and regional events, despite the disadvantages regional boxers can face on a regular basis.

“It was instilled early on that competitive boxing is a commitment and not something you can just dip your toe in the water with, it takes full buy-in with everything; what you eat, your sleep and the mental preparedness,” she said.

“It’s been a journey, but I’m so much stronger for it.”

Skybox head coach ‘Uncle Mick’ was quick to praise his fighter’s efforts and look toward the future for the club as a whole.

“Sarah trained hard as she does for every fight, we had a game plan, but unfortunately on the night couldn’t put it together. These are tough lessons to learn after all the effort that gets put in, but Sarah will learn from it, and be better for these challenges,” he said.

Unfortunately, fellow Skybox fighter Shareef Mohammed was unable to compete in this event due to his opponent pulling out with short notice.

On the other hand, Kyson Crudeli from Peacocks boxing gym had his second fight in less than a month, taking the win over Bohdi Hack from Peak 1 gym in Perth.

Despite struggling with his range at times, Kyson managed to land the cleaner shots and win a close decision.

His coach Jake Peacock commended his progress.

“Kyson is improving with every outing, and we will continue to keep him as busy as we can,” he said.

While unable to fight this weekend Mohammed will be working alongside fellow Skybox star Frauke Rawlings as the under-19 State tiles take place later this month before the club prepares the Australian Club Championships in Adelaide on May 21.