Dalby boxer Judd Alderton is set to make his mark at the Gene Lewis Invitational tournament in Arizona

A Dalby boxer is set to make his way to the United States next week ahead of a major international tournament, with the young athlete revealing what’s behind his drive and determination to get to the top. See his story.

Dalby boy, 15-year-old Judd Alderton came home victorious after competing at the 2023 Australian Schools Boxing Championships, nabbing the gold medal. Picture: Emily Devon

Just six months after taking the top spot at a national boxing competition, a young Dalby boxer will make his way overseas to compete at an international level.

Dalby teen Judd Alderton said he will be going into the 48th Gene Lewis Invitational Tournament held in Arizona next week with the same confidence and determination he took to the Australian Schools Boxing competition.

“It’s just the usual,” he said.

“You don’t say ‘lose’ it’s always win.”

The 15-year-old shared that six weeks ago he was welcomed to the Future’s Program which helps young athletes develop their skills to an elite level and that he will strengthen his training at the Australian Institute of Sport combat centre with former Olympians ahead of the US tournament.

“(AIS training) has opened me up to new things,” he said.

Dalby boy, 15-year-old Judd Alderton came home victorious after competing at the 2023 Australian Schools Boxing Championships, nabbing the gold medal. Picture: contributed

“Every time I fight there’s someone new and I get to learn.”

When it came to his team at home, he said a combination of his family and the support network at the Dalby PCYC was what pushed him to train.

“(The community) gives me an extra boost, they keep me pushing,” he said.

“Especially (Dalby boxing), they drive me and keep me going, and I personally want it and want to (succeed).”

Judd’s dad, Andrew Alderton, said the support network among boxers was very strong.

“Although it’s a bit of a lonely sport when you’re in (the ring), there’s a bit of community to it,” Mr Alderton said.

While the stakes were high for this competition, the teen said he has kept his calm in the lead up.

“The nervous part is flying over there,” he said.

“I’m pretty relaxed fight wise, I know what I have to do, I have to go over there, fight and do my best and come back with the win.”