TWO local boxers are guaranteed a spot at the nationals after strong performances at the Boxing Victoria Elite Victorian Titles last weekend.

Katie Riddle contested the 48kg division and won the final to progress through to the nationals in the state’s A spot, capping off a busy past two months for the Mocka’s Boxing Club talent.

“Normally I would say it is better to have a few lead-up bouts, but I have had a very active period lately, so didn’t go in feeling rusty at all, it was my fifth fight in eight weeks,” she said.

“I fought this girl a month prior and won pretty comfortably, so knew I could go in confident and this played out pretty similar.

“I got very close last year to winning at nationals, and this year I am there to win,”

Imogen McDonnell suited up for her first elite state titles in the 66kg division and drew a national champion in the final, losing but qualifying for the Victorian B spot for the nationals in Perth in August.

The 25-year-old said

“First elite state titles and I was happy with the outcome

“I secured a spot on the state team, and although I didn’t get the win, that in itself is a really good opportunity.

“It was a great experience, I drew Marissa (Williams-Polvan) who is the state and country representative in my weight division, so I drew as hard as it gets in terms of an opponent.

“I watched the fight footage back and will watch it back again and it is interesting what you see, so plenty to improve on and adjust before nationals in Perth.”

Donald ‘Duck’ Jones got through the first round but was unlucky in the second round, but could still make nationals in the Victorian B spot for the titles in Perth, which start on August 8.