Hard Knocks Boxing Club aims to win big at fight night

Meet the Hard Knocks Boxing Club, a community organisation training enthusiastic people all ages. Full details for tonight’s fight night event.

The Hard Knocks Boxing Club will be entering five fighters into the annual tournament. Photo: Fergus Gregg

A boxing gym where membership costs next to nothing is putting its star students to the test in a big bash tournament.

Hard Knocks Boxing Club, formerly the Pioneer Valley boxing club, is a not-for-profit community fitness organisation run by coach Yamiko Chinula at the Mackay Showgrounds.

Yamiko Chinula is one of the coaches at the Hard Knocks Boxing Club. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“We’re fairly easy going,” Mr Chinula said.

“We’re a community club, we don’t force you to sign any contracts.”

A former boxer, Mr Chinula got involved in the club when he heard about it from his coach’s son, who teaches boxing in Moranbah.

The club runs group classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for all ages above six from 6-7pm priced at for $10.

Diego Ladisla (16) and Peter Ford (18) are two of the Boxing Clubs young champions and frequent sparring partners. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Diego Ladisla, 16, is one of the clubs rising stars, having just won the championship in his weight class at the North Queensland Games in Cairns.

“I just always wanted to learn how to defend myself if I ever needed to,” Mr Ladisla said.

“It’s a good sport, good athleticism.”

Mr Ladisla humbly downplayed his recent achievements and said he just “went in and had a win”.

“Feeling myself improve over time is really what makes me want to keep going,” the young champ said.

On the flipside is Nate Clark, who hasn’t been as successful in recent bouts.

“I started to doubt myself a lot,” Mr Clark said.

“In my second and third fight I started to regain confidence.”

Nate Clark may be young, but his dogged determination will surely make a champion of him. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mr Clark has yet to win one of his fights, but remains undeterred and focuses on trying harder.

Mr Clark and Mr Ladisla also spoke very highly of their opponents, demonstrating strong commitments to the ideals of sportsmanship and humility.

“I lost, but he was a very kind boy and good person,” Mr Clark said.
“I’ve made lots of friends through boxing,” Mr Ladisla said.

Hard Knocks Boxing Club will be entering Mr Clark, Mr Ladisla and three other fighters into their annual tournament today at Beaconsfield State School Hall at 5.30pm.

The club will participate in 26 fights, which is a recent record for the club and will be going up against other boxing organisations from across the Greater Whitsundays.
Find out more about the event here.

Originally published as Hard Knocks Boxing Club aims to win big at fight night