Brothers keen to join teammates in Cup defence

Toowoomba contingent out to pull its weight for Country in Brayd Smith Cup showdown.

Toowoomba region amateur boxers at TGW & Smithy’s Gym this week preparing to line up for Country against City in next Saturday's Brayd Smith Cup tournament at Rumours International (from left) Lachie Sutcliffe, Jackson Griffith, Harrison Edwards, Cassidy Thornbury, Sam Newton, George Christodoulou, Jayde Rolph, Salle De La Va'a, Xavier Va'a, Anna Christodoulou, Jacob Thompson, Ruben Brown, Dimi Christodoulou and Will Anderson. Picture: David Lobwein.

BOXING : A swag of Toowoomba-region boxers will celebrate a highlight moment at Rumours International next Saturday when they line for Country in the annual Brayd Smith Cup.

Xavier Va’a and his younger brother Salle De La Va’a would love to be joining them.

But their dream of fighting in front of home fans and helping keep the Cup in Country hands has struck a large snag.

They have no opponents.

TGW & Smithy’s Gym trainer-promoter Brendon Smith is working overtime to try and match the 16 and 14-year-old boys and has issued a national challenge for anyone keen to take on the Australian champion pair.

“We are keen to get a match for the boys and have put a message out there for anyone interested in taking up the offer,” Smith said.

“We will pay fares and accommodation for opponents from anywhere in Australia willing to travel to Toowoomba next Saturday.

“We know there are a few out there, so hopefully we can pull something together for the boys.”

The annual tournament – contested in memory of the late Brayd Smith – is part of a huge TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 25 double program.

The Brayd Smith Cup will begin proceedings on Saturday afternoon leading into the night card where the pro line-up includes the Australasian super lightweight title bout featuring Chris Brackin and Kyle Freiberg.

Toowoomba’s Herman Ene-Purcell headlines the night when he faces James Singh for the WBF World Youth heavyweight title.

Smith said the growing strength of the Brayd Smith Cup will be reflected in record numbers next Saturday including a Toowoomba contingent of more than a dozen competitors.

“This has become a huge tournament,” Smith said.

“They are coming from places like Mt Isa and Townsville to be a part of it this year.

“We have 25 matches already and that could stretch to 30 bouts.

“Thirteen boxers from Smithy’s Gym are lining up for Country which is a great representation for Toowoomba.

“Six are also matched from Gladstone.

“City won the first three Brayd Smith Cups but Country took it for the first time last year and they would love nothing more than to hold on to it next Saturday night.”

# TICKETS are available at Smithy’s Gym.