Dalby boxers Joshua Hassan and Judd Alderton claim medals at Australian Club Championships
Dalby PCYC boxing club’s Judd Alderton and Joshua Hassan have taken home medals from a national competition in Adelaide.
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Dalby PCYC boxing club’s duo of Judd Alderton and Joshua Hassan have continued their hot streak, taking home a gold and silver at the Australian Club Championships in Adelaide at the weekend.
Judd was up first on the Friday in a rematch against a past opponent and stepping up to 70kg division after being unable to find a match at his native 66kg.
“They had fought two and a half years earlier at the Golden Gloves and it turned into a hectic fight this time around,” coach Andrew Alderton said.
“Judd ended up losing two points for ducking but he was struggling to keep his head up as his opponent was taller and was pulling his head down.
“No matter what Judd tried to do the ref kept nailing him and he ended up losing the fight, but although it was messy I thought Judd had it with the better punches.”
Despite losing the fight luck was on Judd’s side as his opponent had injured himself during their match and was unable to fight in the finals.
“On Saturday morning I got a phone call asking whether Judd wanted to fight and it turns out his opponent had broken his thumb on Judd’s head,” he said.
“In the finals Judd fought a lot bigger opponent who was 70kg and I don't think Judd was going to let that go after the first fight so he got in there and fought a strong fight.
“He managed to get an eight count on the guy in the third round, winning the fight and getting the gold.”
Hassan (JJ) was up next facing one of South Australia’s most revered junior boxers.
“We also had JJ on Saturday who fought in the 57kg Junior Division fighting a kid from South Australia,” he said.
“I thought he had it but I’m so proud of him because he developed over that fight so well, he was swapping stances then he fought in orthodox and I thought he had the better of him.
“He didn't end up getting the nod but (JJ) got the silver medal in the end.”
Mr Alderton said he was pleased to see the athletes perform so well at a national competition.
“Our little town ended up walking away with a silver and gold at the Australian Club Championships so that was pretty good,” he said.
“Fighting out of your home state gives you more confidence, gives you someone different to fight so you grow in technical ability, when you’re facing off against someone you don’t know you grow stronger.
“I’m just proud that the guys got in there, didn't give up and had a crack standing up to these guys who come from everywhere.”