Dalby high school student Judd Alderton revels in Australian Schools Boxing title win

Despite still being in school, one Dalby junior is already smashing goals after taking home the gold medal at a national boxing championship with the youngster revealing it’s just the beginning of his journey in the ring.

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

For one high school student, the thought of putting on a pair of boxing gloves and stepping in a ring means more than just throwing and dodging punches.

It means putting in an incredible level of hard work and holding yourself accountable to take home a win.

At just 15-years-old, Dalby student Judd Alderton has chosen to go down the boxing path because he enjoys the dedication and work that’s required.

Last week his hard work paid off when he took home the gold medal for Australian junior under 16 in the 63kg division championship at the 2023 Australian Schools Boxing competition.

“I was pretty nervous,” he said.

“It was the first time I was in a different state and the first time without dad in my corner.”

Dad Andrew Alderton, who also coaches boxing at Dalby PCYC, was cheering from the crowd with mum Tammy as Judd had to travel to South Australia with the Queensland team and staff.

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

The Our Lady of Southern Cross College student competed in two fights over the course of the competition, beating NSW boxer Kymahni Penehoe-Ashby in his first round, and Lucas Cutajar from Victoria in the finals.

“My fighting style is to apply a lot of pressure and to keep on them, try and get as many punches in as possible and don’t let them get to me,” he said.

“I ended up giving (Cutajar) a standing eight count. I got into the groove and realised ‘I got this, it’s going to be mine’.”

After securing the finals win with a points decision and winning all three rounds, Judd’s arm was raised, bringing on a whirlwind of emotions.

“It was crazy, I got out of the ring – it’s the first time I ever really cried about something,” he said.

Judd’s father said he was proud watching from the seats as his son become victorious.

“I was speechless for a little while,” he said.

“Then the big fella came and gave me a big hug and he dropped his legs on me, he was pretty knackered and exhausted. I think (his) mum had a few tears.”

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

Judd emphasised that the successful journey he’s been on so far wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of his family, including his older brother Chase who inspired him to begin boxing in the first place.

“My family is the biggest help I could ever get with boxing,” Judd said.

“I don’t think I could have stayed under weight if it weren’t for mum.

“Chase used to box when he was my age, and I had come up (to the boxing ring) a couple times just to muck around.”

Despite being a champion, the high school student still remained humble and grateful wanting to applaud his fellow Queensland team members from the southwest region, Landan Moore, Oliver Bond and Kye Lawler who he credited to putting up good fights throughout the comp.

He and dad Andrew also thanked fellow Dalby PCYC coach Yusef Hassan and their sponsors who helped cover travel expenses, and encouraged other young people to join in.

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

“If you lose it’s on you, but when you win it’s also just on you,” Judd said.

“When I was younger, I didn’t have the highest amount of friends but boxing has showed me what I need and it’s given me discipline.

“Just do it. There’s no point in talking about it when you can do it. Try local, we come to the Dalby Boxing Club and it may not be the biggest but it’s one of the best.”

While it seems like he’s already accomplished so much, the teen has his eyes set on the next prize with the aim of competing at an international level at the end of the year.

“It’s just the start of the journey, that’s where I’m at now.”

Originally published as Dalby high school student Judd Alderton revels in Australian Schools Boxing title win