Australian Boxer Cooper O’Connell Set for Gold at World U19 Championships

In an exciting turn of events, Australian boxer Cooper O’Connell has made it to the finals of the World U19 Boxing Championships taking place in Colorado this week. The promising young athlete is set to compete in the gold medal match on Sunday (Australian time), a testament to his hard work and dedication over the past few years.Cooper is under the expert guidance of coach Gareth Williams at The Boxing Shop in Brisbane. Over the last two years, he has demonstrated remarkable growth, both in his skills and his mindset. “We have spoken for a few months about winning the gold medal, and now it’s within touching distance,” Williams said, reflecting on the journey that has led them to this pivotal moment.In preparation for this prestigious event, Cooper has engaged in sparring sessions with some of the best in the sport, including Olympians Shannan Davey and Olympic Bronze Medalist Charlie Senior. This high-level training has equipped him with the experience and confidence necessary to excel on the world stage. His preparation has been nothing short of exemplary, allowing him to hone his abilities against top-quality professionals leading up to the championship.This year has not been without its challenges for Cooper. Earlier in the year, he faced a significant setback when he had to recover from a shoulder reconstruction. After losing his fight at the Queensland titles, he showed immense resilience, bouncing back with rapid improvements that have led him to this gold medal opportunity. Now, Cooper stands on the brink of becoming the world number one boxer in the 65kg division for under 19s.The community surrounding Cooper has rallied behind him, with immense support from sponsors and fans who helped him raise the funds necessary for this journey. Their belief in his talent and potential has played a crucial role in enabling him to compete at such a high level.As Cooper prepares to step into the ring for the final, the entire Australian boxing community is filled with pride and anticipation. Regardless of the outcome, his journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating what can be achieved with hard work, determination, and support. We wish Cooper O’Connell the best of luck in his pursuit of gold in Colorado!

Gareth Williams sitting down and discussing the future with young men.

Enhancing Focus and Fostering Community Values in Young People

Introduction to Boxing Classes

Boxing classes have gained popularity as a means of physical fitness and self-defense, but their benefits extend far beyond just physical conditioning. For young people, engaging in boxing can significantly improve focus and instill a sense of value within a community. This blog post will explore how boxing classes contribute to these essential aspects of personal development.

Improving Focus Through Structured Training

One of the primary benefits of boxing training is the enhancement of focus. Boxing requires intense concentration on various elements, including technique, timing, and strategy. Here’s how boxing helps improve focus:

  1. Mental Engagement: During boxing classes, participants must pay attention to their instructors and the techniques being taught. This mental engagement fosters an environment where young people learn to concentrate on tasks at hand, which can translate into better focus in academic settings.
  2. Goal Setting: Boxing training often involves setting specific goals, such as mastering a particular punch or improving endurance. The process of working towards these goals teaches young individuals the importance of maintaining focus over time and the satisfaction that comes from achieving set objectives.
  3. Discipline and Routine: Regular attendance at boxing classes instills discipline in young people. They learn to commit to a schedule, which requires them to prioritize their time effectively. This routine not only enhances their ability to concentrate during training but also encourages them to apply this discipline in other areas of life.
  4. Stress Relief: Physical activity is known to reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins. When young people engage in boxing, they can channel their energy into productive outlets rather than distractions that may hinder their focus.

Fostering a Sense of Value in Community

In addition to improving focus, boxing classes play a crucial role in fostering a sense of value within a community among young participants:

  1. Building Relationships: Boxing classes often involve teamwork and partner drills that encourage interaction among participants. These interactions help build friendships and create bonds that foster a sense of belonging within the community.
  2. Encouragement and Support: Instructors and peers provide encouragement during training sessions, creating an environment where young people feel valued for their efforts regardless of skill level. This support system reinforces positive self-esteem and motivates individuals to continue improving.
  3. Community Events: Many boxing gyms organize events such as competitions or exhibitions that involve local communities. Participation in these events allows young boxers to showcase their skills while also engaging with family members and friends who come out to support them.
  4. Role Models: Coaches often serve as mentors for young boxers, providing guidance not only in sports but also in life skills such as respect, responsibility, and perseverance. These role models can inspire youth to contribute positively to their communities.
  5. Civic Engagement: Some boxing programs are designed specifically for at-risk youth or those from underserved communities, aiming to provide them with opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. By participating in such programs, young people gain valuable life skills while also feeling connected to broader social initiatives aimed at uplifting their communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, boxing classes offer significant benefits for young people by enhancing their ability to focus while simultaneously fostering a sense of value within their communities. The structured environment promotes mental engagement through goal-setting and discipline while building relationships that encourage support and civic involvement.

By participating in boxing training, youth not only develop physical skills but also cultivate essential life skills that prepare them for future challenges both inside and outside the ring.

Gareth Williams sitting down and discussing the future with young men.
Restrictions eased May 15

Bootcamps of 10 from this Saturday

Firstly id like to thank all our amazing members and friends for their ongoing support during this tough time for everyone.
As you have probably heard the government have eased restrictions opening up some outdoor bootcamp opportunities.
Bootcamps for 10 people are allowed !
We have created a few safety measures for everyone to follow so we can all get back to “Normal” as son as possible.

Outdoor Training expectations with social distancing as Saturday 16/5/2020 – until further notice

  1. Bookings essential (All members have been emailed a booking opportunity, please do not turn up to training unless a prior booking has been made) .Members Booking link here   (Non members can join here   )  .       
  2. All members are required to take a shower before training
  3. Individual training bags to be left in the car.
  4. Hands to be wrapped in the car or prior to training. Bring Boxing gloves only to the bootcamp area.
  5. Hand sanitizer is available at the front desk
  6. Please Keep 1.5m apart from everyone at all times during the class.
  7. Once the class is complete please wipe down equipment and move to your car immediately so the next group can enjoy the bootcamp experience.

Thank you to all our loyal friends and members for supporting The Boxing Shop  through this tough time. By following the correct procedures we hope to be back inside the gym soon.

Gareth and Shara


https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions

Jess

Trainer Jess Cashman is a current Boxer who competed at the first ever televised boxing series in 2017, The Elite Boxing Championship and also represented Qld at the Australian championships in the same year. Jess is a group trainer with a differance, a mother of 2 with a passion for helping people achieve their goals, […]

Shara

Head Coach – Shara Romer A Qld Coach for the last 6 years Shara has risen through the coaching ranks to represent Australia as an assistant and also a Head coach on many occassions. In 2016 Shara was named as a support coach for the Rio Olympic games,In 2017 Shara was chosen as the Australian […]

Gareth

Over the 12 years of Coaching, Gareth Williams has Represented Queensland at Australian Championships and overseas on many Occassions. Gareth has coached the Australian Junior Boxing team in 2011 when they won Australias first ever world championship gold medals (2 Golds to Clay Watermanand Jai Opetai). Gareth coaches both Amateur and Professional boxers from their […]