LOCAL boxers Mitch Riddell and Raymond Geyer both claimed trophies while representing Portland Boxing Club at the recent Furlan Club Cup in Melbourne, in what is a major step forward for both fighters along with the club itself.

While Riddell had previously fought on two occasions – winning both – this was Geyer’s first organised fight of his career.

Riddell said he was very pleased to have had some success at last Sunday’s bout, adding that it has been a great season for the club.

“For the club as a whole we’ve got a winning record for the year across our three fighters, which is a fantastic achievement,” he said.

“I had my second bout earlier this year and was able to get the victory, and then (last) weekend was able to follow it up.

“They were different experiences; I came up against a more experienced fighter this time around, which was good because it made me step up and perform to a higher standard.

“It was amazing for ‘Ray’ to get the win on his debut, I was almost more pumped for him than I was for my own fight.”

While people familiar with professional boxing will have the marathon 12-round bouts in their minds when they think of the sport, amateur boxing takes on a markedly different format.

“They’re three rounds of two minutes each, so really short and sharp fights where you have to make every second count,” Riddell said.

“There’s obviously the perception out there that boxing is all about knockouts or beating up your opponent… that’s really not the case at this level, with 12-ounce gloves and headgear on that really just doesn’t happen.

“It really is just about fitness and skill and who can control the ring better and go harder in the short span of time that we’re out there.

“Our focus at the club is on getting our technique and fitness up to a sustainable level.”

Arguably the most physically demanding aspect of the sport is the preparation for the events, with Riddell saying they aim for roughly eight weeks of high-intensity training in the lead-up.

“It’s pretty full-on, and it can be hard to prepare well in amateur boxing as you’re waiting on matchups or even if you’re going to get a spot,” he said.

“We do a lot of sparring, travelling to Coleraine and Warrnambool for sparring partners which is invaluable.”

Riddell, who is now into his fifth year as a fighter, said he’s also keen to take on a coaching role in addition to fighting himself.

“Boxing was my outlet when COVID shutdown footy, and I was putting enough time into it at the gym that I thought I needed to get something more out of it,” he said.

“I’ve fallen in love with the sport, and I’m enrolled now in my coaching accreditation for boxing, and I’ll be keen to take over the training for a few of the fighters at the gym.

“There’s another passion there in seeing kids come through and develop their skillset.”