BROCK Campbell has staked his claim as the latest boxer to watch coming out of Orange after the slick teenager took out the 57 kilogram Australian Schoolboys title at the Australian Boxing Championships in Adelaide.
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Competing in arguably the toughest division at the championships last week, Campbell defeated last year’s division champion, Western Australia’s North Zabetta, in his first bout to progress through to the final.
He then met an ACT-based opponent, winning on points to claim the title.
Campbell’s trainer Gavin Westcott said his young protege had to deal with more than just his opponent to claim the title.
“Brock went very well after his initial nerves. He is super fit and really opened up his opponents eyes a few times with work rate,” Westcott said.
Campbell was joined by fellow Orange boxers Toby Westcott and the Jake Kenney-trained Jacob Cooper in Adelaide for the championships.
All three did particularly well.
Alongside Campbell’s title win, Cooper took out silver in the 52kg Junior Open weight division, winning his first two bouts easily on points before succumbing to the an experienced South Australian opponent in the final.
While Westcott, a champion muay thai fighter, went down to Western Australia’s Paul Sylvestro in the semi-final of his campaign.
He received a bronze medal.
Westcott senior was extremely proud of all three fighters.
“All three boys fought extremely well against the top level boxers in Australia,” he said.
“These boys have all had less than 12 months in the boxing scene and have all been recognised by national Olympic selectors.
“It doesn’t get any better in quality than what they took on at these championships and all have been advised to gain passports for upcoming events overseas.
“The experience alone was worth the hard work.”
The boys will continue to train with respective coaches to stay fit and ready to go for the upcoming international events.