STANDING on the scales it shaped as a fair stoush. But that’s where it ended – the other boy, at 16, was two years older, and had twice as many fights under his belt.
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And he was from one of the biggest boxing clubs in Brisbane. His corner even said that Levi Langham, 14, relatively inexperienced, and from the tiny hamlet of Arakoon near South West Rocks, should not have even taken the bout.
But Levi’s dad, Jason, just grinned and retorted: “It’s okay, my boy goes alright”.
Three rounds later and the proof was in the pounding, as Levi swept to a unanimous and lopsided points win.
The older lad had just learned the power of the village people – albeit more PCYC than YMCA.
Levi was one of three charges from the Kempsey Police Citizens’ Youth Club to make the trip north for the promotion at Broadbeach Waters on the Gold Coast.
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The PCYC hosted event had an international flavour with a number of Chinese Taipei boxers in action. Coached by Adam Fathers, Levi’s original opponent bailed without reason from the match, but fortunately another boxer was offered.
“It’s one of those events where they will try and match you on the day if you are hunting one,” Jason said.
In a 60kg division over three two minute chapters, Levi had his opponent under siege early on.
“He didn’t look too big and from the first punch I could sort of tell that he didn’t have a lot of power or speed,” the St Paul’s College student told the Argus.
“I just waited till he came in close before I went full bore and rushed him and I could feel he was sort of collapsing.
“I was slipping a lot of his punches and dropped him but not for an eight count.
“In the second I wanted to knock him out but he just kept getting in clinches to recover, and kept pulling my head down.
“In the third round we were both probably pretty tired but I just kept whaling away.”
Levi, also a karate black belt, is now looking forward to defending his Golden Gloves title in Brisbane next month.
In 2017, the youngster was crowned Australian Schoolboys Golden Gloves Champion in the Under 15 years 52kg division.
Levi earned the Golden Gloves on the back of two dominant performances. He won by unanimous points decision in both matches, despite facing experienced fighters.
Meanwhile, the other two boys from the Kempsey PCYC who made the trip north, gained some valuable experience from their debut fights.
Alex Clegg, 13 years old, and Ollie Eakin, 11, didn’t get the decision they were chasing but gave it their best and showed great courage in stepping into the ring for the first time.
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