There will always be those who oppose the sport of boxing, and in today’s world that is more understandable. There has been opposition to the sport for decades.
Yet had any of those opposing the sport attended the Australian Schools Championships 2024 (under 19) held in Perth over four days last week they may well have seen their opinion shift.
Society has labelled this generation of teenagers and those who have just left this age group as being ‘entitled.’ That they believe that they deserve the spoils in life without putting in the hard work. Some would go so far as to say that they lack respect.
Had you attended any session at the Perth Town Hall you would have had those opinions turned on their head. For over four days it was refreshing to witness the effort and commitment of those who climbed through the ropes. Every single boxer was clearly focussed on doing the best that they could, and intent on winning.
Those who did win always showed great respect for their opponent, and only one from memory momentarily in the joy of victory became a little carried away with the result before acknowledging their opponent. Even those who lost, as disappointing as it must have been, were gracious in defeat, and gave their opponent respect and congratulated them.
When it came to medal rounds even though there were individuals in the ring to present the two boxers with their medals it was wonderful to see both combatants prefer to place the medal over their opponent’s head.
There was only one boxer who left the ring prematurely after their bout was over and before the medals were presented. They did not leave because they were angry they had lost. They were in fact for in tears due to the disappointment of losing, and feeling they had let their team down. They simply wanted to get away from public view.
Not only did every single individual do themselves proud and show that sporting rivalry can exist alongside respect, but the support shown by all who had travelled interstate with their team was remarkable to witness. Again, there was no nastiness, just a pride in wearing their state’s colours and a unity that said that we are all behind you. It must have been incredibly uplifting for those alone in the ring doing their utmost for themselves and their team. No doubt something they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Talking to some of the coaches and parents it was also pleasing to hear the positive effect the sport had managed to have on these youths.
One coach talked of how an individual had walked into the gym that first night with attitude, almost believing that they were above being there. They revealed that this was gone after two sessions. They were now far more humble, and were regularly seen helping others around the gym.
One parent explained how since taking up the sport their child had suddenly gained self-worth. They had realised very quickly that if you are not prepared to work you get left behind, as a result their school work had suddenly improved beyond belief, and that they had even started tidying up their bedroom!
Often today the focus is very much on the negative side of youth sport, but over four days at these national championships all you witnessed was positivity from those taking part and it was a credit to each boxer, and their coaches.
While there may be question marks over the safety of the sport at professional level, much has been done to protect the young boxers at this level. Hopefully that continues, as clearly this is one sport that is changing the lives of those who participate in a positive way, and teaching them more than many can possibly imagine.
Many of these young boys and girls will no doubt carry those lessons with them as they go forward in life, whether they choose to continue with the sport or not. At present the sport is benefitting from having such individuals involved.
