City fighters set to unleash

Huge autumn boxing shows highlight rising Toowoomba talent.

The late Brayd Smith celebrates winning the WBC World Youth Silver Featherweight title in 2014. A record number of amateur boxers are set to contest this year’s Brayd Smith Cup. Pictures: Glen McCullough

BOXING : Toowoomba’s arrival as a national boxing nursery will be on display in coming months as the city prepares for a feast of ring action.

Major shows will be held at Rumours International during March and May with both carrying national and world clout for Toowoomba fighters.

The March 14 program will also showcase a mammoth Brayd Smith Cup card where a record number of amateurs contest the annual City versus Country tournament held in memory of the late Toowoomba World Youth champion Braydon Smith.

The Brayd Smith Cup features on the TGW & Smith Bring The Big Fights 25 bill on March 14.

The show is Toowoomba’s biggest annual boxing event and doubles in a sea of orange as a tribute to Brayd Smith.

The card includes Stanthorpe’s Chris Brackin facing Kyle Freiberg for the Australasian super lightweight title.

Hot on the heels of Saturday week’s marathon show, Toowoomba boxing fans will be in for a second autumn Rumours serving when Steve Spark returns to the ring.

Spark is looking to send a powerful message to the Australian boxing community and possible international rivals when he looks to extend his winning streak to nine against Terry Tzouramanis.

Spark and Tzouramanis meet in a regional title unification bout at Rumours on May 9 with the winner set to move into the world top-15 rankings.

TGW & Smithy’s Gym trainer and promoter Brendon Smith said Toowoomba’s finest from the amateur ranks upwards can grab huge opportunities in coming months.

“It starts for the year this Saturday night for us when Gav Hornery fights Jalen Tait at the Gold Coast,” Smith said.

“Our March show will be the biggest Brayd Smith Cup yet and our pro boys have some huge opportunities in coming months.”