The top 10 boxing stars holding Australia in good stead on the world stage
Knockout artists, Olympians and even a 17-year-old all make the list as JAMIE PANDARAM names his top 10 fighters to carry the hopes of Australian boxing fans for the next generation.
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From heavyweight monsters and undefeated phenoms to the first Australian woman to box at two Olympics - these are the young stars who could carry the hopes of Australian boxing fans for the next generation.
There’s freakishly talented teenagers, stars being mentored by some of the biggest names in boxing and a good dose of Olympians.
Enough, certainly, to ensure that the future of Australian boxing is in good hands.
Code Sports’ Jamie Pandaram has compiled the best of generation next, and who to mark down in your little black book.
AUSTRALIAN BOXING’S GENERATION NEXT
1. Fred Zziwa (SA):The most feared fighter in Australia, Zziwa is being avoided like the plague in the lightweight ranks. The Ugandan-born star racked up an impressive amateur career of 46-9 (14KO) including victory over Australia’s 2023 Olympian Charlie Senior. He’s started his pro career with two knockout victories, but finding willing opponents has been his toughest battle, with several rejections and withdrawals. Zziwa, 26, has an aggressive style and huge power in both hands, making him a dangerous proposition in the 61kg division. If given a solid run of fights, Zziwa can become Australia’s latest boxing sensation.
2. Teremoana Teremoana (QLD):The heavyweight monster is a genuine medal chance for Australia at the Paris Games and should he step up to the podium, promoters from around the world will be throwing serious money at him. Teremoana, a long-time sparring partner of Justis Huni, won a gold medal at the Pacific Games last December. Standing 198cm and weighing 120kg, the amateur super-heavyweight (92kg+) already has four pro fights for four knockout wins. The 26-year-old is aiming to become Australia’s first Olympic super-heavyweight medallist before exploding to the pro ranks where the heavyweight division is as stacked as it’s been for decades.
3. Billy Polkinghorn (WA): Originally from Perth but now based in Brisbane, super lightweight Polkinghonrn has already been signed by No Limit Boxing and will appear on the undercard of the Nikita Tszyu versus Koen Mazoudier fight in Newcastle in June. Polkinghorn, 27, has had close defeats in the amateurs to Harry Garside and Liam Wilson, and defeated Fred Zziwa in the 65kg division in 2019. He is tipped to be more suited to the professional ranks, carrying heavy hands, and in his pro debut stopped Broby Martin in round three in November 2022. He went back to the amateurs for a shot at this year’s Olympics, but decided the professional path was his future.
4. Caitlin Parker (WA): The first woman to box at two Olympics for Australia, Parker is also the first Aussie to medal at both junior and youth world championships. The middleweight picked up a silver at the Pacific Games last year too, and will be Australia’s team captain at the Paris Games. The 28-year-old is tipped to enter the pro ranks following the Olympics and there are a number of potential huge match-ups down the road, including women’s pound-for-pound queen Claressa Shields, and fellow Australian Tayla Harris.
5. Callum Peters (SA): The dazzlingly talented 21-year-old has gradually moved from the 63kg super lightweight division to light heavyweight (80kg), where he’ll compete at the Paris Games. The Indigenous star has a stellar amateur record of 83-13 (9KO) and claimed the King of the Ring tournament in March. Having won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Peters is confident in becoming Australia’s first Olympic boxing gold medallist, before turning pro where he is expected to make a giant splash in the local scene.
6. Jacob Cassar (VIC): The 17-year-old phenom is undefeated in 30 amateur bouts, and good judges believe he will only continue that success when he eventually turns pro. The super lightweight prospect from Melbourne began boxing aged 12 after being bullied at school, reminiscent of former world champion Jeff Horn. Cassar still has much to do in the amateurs, with eyes on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, but his slick style and developing power will have him in the sights of leading promoters.
7. Kirra Ruston (WA): The rangy light heavyweight makes his pro debut next week (May 8) against Ralph Etienne in Logan, and there is already growing hype about his potential. Ruston, 26, is a two-time Australian amateur champion and at 183cm, has ideal reach for the division.
8. Monique Suraci (ACT): After injury and Covid robbed her of the chance to represent Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Suraci has climbed back to book her ticket to Paris by winning the Pacific Games. The 23-year-old from Canberra began boxing aged six, and now campaigning in the light flyweight (50kg) division, Suraci has built an outstanding amateur record of 28-8 (9KO). Should she make the leap to the pros after Paris, Suraci’s exciting style could put her in the mix for major fights in future against the likes of Susie Ramadan and American superstar Seniesa Estrada.
9. Charlie Senior (WA): The prodigious 22-year-old bantamweight holds amateur wins over Alex Winwood and Jack Bowen, and is on his way to the Paris Games. Senior has brilliant footwork and timing, building a record of 33-19 (3KO) and could be a rough diamond in the pros, with many talents in and around the division like Vegas Larfield, Mark Schleibs and world-ranked Sam Goodman as possible future opponents.
10. Shannan Davey (QLD): In Australia’s most stacked division, super welterweight, Davey could emerge as the next breakout star. The 24-year-old from Narrabri holds amateur wins over Dylan Biggs and Callum Peters, building an impressive record of 41-14 (6KO). The two-time Australian champion will represent Australia in Paris, after which he’s expected to turn pro and put down his challenge in a division ruled by Tim and Nikita Tszyu.
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Originally published as The top 10 boxing stars holding Australia in good stead on the world stage
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