Sport
23 April, 2025
Countdown begins for Mount Isa boxing event
A big turnout is expected at the Mount Isa Rugby Union grounds on May 4.
Boxing was once a drawcard in Mount Isa – and there is a growing push to bring big fight nights back to the mining city.
The Brothers in Arms boxing club will host the North West Amateur Championships at the Mount Isa Rugby Union grounds on May 4, which is the Sunday of the Labour Day long weekend.
Event organisers Bob Burow and Wade Remington said they hoped the sanctioned event, which is expected to include more than a dozen bouts, would renew support for live boxing in Mount Isa.
Wade said it was part of a desire to build up to bigger fight nights in the future.
“Mount Isa hasn’t had big fight nights for more than twenty years and we want to work towards changing that,” he said.
“We hope people will show support for this event and then we can build from them.”
The May 4 event will feature up-and-coming boxers from Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville, Ingham and Yarrabah.
It will also be the first time several young Mount Isa boxers have climbed into the ring in front of a hometown audience.
Among them will be teenagers Dartaiarn Yasserie, 16, and Lincoln Peterson, 15.
Both have only been boxing for about a year yet walked away with gold and silver medals in their respective weight divisions at the state titles in Brisbane last year.
They enter the ring having both recorded solid wins in various events across the coast.
Lincoln said he was looking forward to entering the ring in front of a local crowd.
“It will be pretty different to be in front of people from Mount Isa but I think it is going to be good. There will be lots of fights and some good fighters so it will be a good night,” he said.
Bob and Wade founded Brothers in Arms boxing gym about 18 months ago with the ambition of mentoring young fighters and providing opportunities to compete.
Bob told North West Weekly that the pair did not charge any fees for those who attended the three training sessions per week.
“We don’t charge because we have a love for the game,” he explained.
“I think bush kids have a lot of natural ability and they just enjoy their training.
“We don’t want any of the kids to feel embarrassed they can’t come because they don’t have the money.
“We just want people who are keen on competing and are taking an interest in the sporting side.”
Wade said profits from fight night would be used to help fund the accommodation and travel expenses for young fighters travelling away to compete.
“All the money for this event has come from us – so we would welcome any sponsorship if someone is interested,” he said.
“You have to fly in judges and referees and doctors to hold an event like this.
“But we are hoping we can make some money from the event, which we can then put back into the club to fund the travel and accommodation expenses when we take the fighters away to other towns and compete.
“Every little bit of money helps and so we are hoping people will get behind the fight night.”