Dalby duo take home gold and silver at national competition

Judd Alderton and Joshua ‘JJ’ Hassan have continued their hot streak taking home gold and silver in their weight classes at the Australian Schools Boxing Championships in Perth. Find out more.

JJ and Judd competed at nationals

Two Dalby boxers have taken home a gold and silver at the Australian Schools Boxing Championships in Perth.

Judd Alderton and Joshua ‘JJ’ Hassan made the trip west to Perth on Tuesday fighting over several action-packed days.

Alderton, who was the returning Australian champion, held onto his crown in a strong match while JJ lost a close decision in the finals to take home the silver.

“We had JJ up first, he fought on the Wednesday, Thursday and the finals on Saturday,” coach Andrew Alderton said.

“His first two opponents were pretty tough opponents which is expected because they are in the best from their state and JJ beat them convincingly.

“On the Saturday he was against a young fella from NSW, we thought he’d done enough, he fought well and kept his distance, he has a different style about him and I’m not sure the judges appreciate it.

“He did his best and on the scorecards he was leading so we weren't sure how he lost but he didn't get the win in the end. I’m very proud of him to be number two in the country is awesome.”

JJ and Judd competed at nationals

Alderton was up next getting a walkover in his first fight and heading straight into the finals.

“Judd ended up fighting a lad he had fought before and did extremely well,” he said.

“It was a tough fight but as Juddy does he got in there and used his strength and ability and ended up beating his guy unanimously, getting all three rounds and winning the gold.”

Mr Alderton said the team were straight back in the gym on Monday preparing for their next matches.

“They are ready to go again, they are already talking to me about their next fights. JJ already wants a rematch with his guy and he may get that at the Golden Gloves coming up,” he said.

“Going forward we will work on some head movement and a bit of correction of their punch technique, there's not too much they need to do they just need to refine their style and keep up the fitness.”

Mr Alderton said he was proud of the team.

“I'm so proud of them they just shone, not just in the ring but outside, they helped out with people and kept everyone confidence up so it was brilliant to see from a coach’s perspective,” he said.

“I’m proud of the whole team everyone helps them and I can only see more on the horizon with some of the guys we have coming through, we just need to keep pushing them.

“We have good discipline and work ethic at the Dalby boxing club.”

Originally published as Dalby duo take home gold and silver at national competition