12-year-old prodigy wows onlookers at QLD’s ‘toughest’ boxing competition

At 28 kilograms and 12 years old a boxing sensation is showing up veterans in the north of Brisbane.

Taj Harrington, 12, at All Star Boxing in Bray Park. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

A YOUNG boxer who moves like a seasoned fighter has reigned supreme at the state’s “toughest” titles.

Taj Harrington, 12, was named best boxer by Boxing Australia head youth coach and former Olympian Jamie Pittman at the recently held Queensland Boxing Titles, an honour normally bestowed on “much older” competitors.

$1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. Min. cost $4

The Strathpine local, who fights out of All Star Boxing at Pine Rivers PCYC under the tutelage of his father and gym owner Ben Harrington, was chuffed with his success.

“I am very happy and proud of myself,” Taj said.

“I had a good time; I like that I can fight and have fun but you don’t get into trouble for it!”

Taj Harrington, 12, has been boxing since the age of six. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Already back at training, the young pugilist was hungry for more.

“I am just going to keep training hard, get more fights and more big trophies,” Taj said.

Ben Harrington said his son had remarkable natural ability matched by a willingness to put in the hard yards.

“He has been training since six so it is not a fluke,” said Ben.

“It is a lot of hard work and he has a very good boxing brain.

“He can fight in orthodox or southpaw.

“People at the gym regularly ask ‘how is this kid making these (boxing) decisions?’”

Ben said amateur boxing was one of the statistically safest sports to participate in with an emphasis on style and safety over the “12 round brutality” of professional boxing.

The proud dad said it was important to remember that Taj is still a kid despite his prodigious ability and said his son could keep fighting as long as he enjoyed it.

All Star Boxing offers pee wee boxing for children aged five-10 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3.45-4.30pm.