Jackson ‘Stoneleigh’ Griffiths wins WBC World Youth Title at The Big Fights 35

A Pittsworth pugilist put himself on the world stage as he claimed the WBC World Youth Title Belt, while a rising Goondiwindi star extended his undefeated pro record and a 16-year-old won a thrilling fight in emotional scenes. Check out the biggest stories from The Big Fights 35 here.

Jackson 'Stoneleigh' Griffiths throws a punch at Thailand's Anuson Thonglueang during the fight for the WBC World Youth Welterweight Title. Picture: Darren Burns

Pittsworth’s Jackson ‘Stoneleigh’ Griffiths sent shockwaves which will be felt across the world as he won the WBC World Youth Welterweight Title at Toowoomba’s Rumours International on Friday night and moved to a 13-0 record as a pro.

Griffiths was relentless in the ring and dealt a crushing blow to Thailand’s Anuson Thonglueang.

“It was an unreal experience to have it wrapped around my waist,” Griffiths said.

“A lot of time and dedication from me and my trainers was put in.

“The first instruction from my trainers was get that respect in the first round and second round and if not, he was going to hurt us.”

The plan worked a treat as Griffiths claimed the win in the second round after repeated knockdowns.

The win has still yet to fully sink in for the Pittsworth hero, who now has the world at his feet moving forward.

“I haven’t really sat back and thought about it, it is still sinking in,” he said.

“To be honest I only laced up a pair of gloves a few years ago and never thought I would turn pro and after couple of years we have won the WBC World Youth Title.

“It is just an unreal feeling and the atmosphere, I was blown away by it and to win on Brayd’s (Smith) night as well was awesome.

“It definitely put myself on the map after that last fight both in Australia and in the world scheme of things.”

After such a historic win, Griffiths is excited for what the future holds as he has his sights set on more bigger fights and continuing to be an inspiration to the next generation of Darling Downs boxers.

“I am going to take the rest of the week off and come back and see what the team has in store for me,” he said.

“I have tried to inspire all those young kids, I still look up to Stevie Spark and those bigger names like Canelo (Alvarez) and only 12 months ago I got to meet him.

“So it means a lot to give back to everyone.”

Proud promoter

Promoter Brendon Smith was proud to see his fighter win the historic belt, which has proven to be the launch pad of several legendary fighter’s careers.

“I am super proud and super impressed as well,” he said.

“I said before the fight, he’d need a 120 per cent performance and he did that.

“He showed once again he lives for the occasion and that was the best performance I’ve seen from him in his career and he has the wow-factor.

“He had his pro debut exactly three years ago and to be 13-0 and win the World Youth Championship, the same belt Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao and my son Brayd won 11 years ago, it is incredible.”

Pittsworth's Jackson 'Stoneleigh' Griffiths celebrates his WBC World Youth Welterweight victory. Picture: Darren Burns

Smith said from the moment Griffiths stepped into the ring, he was ready to win the belt.

“To see him and the focus on him in his entrance and the look in his eye during the fight, it was incredible,” he said.

“There was no way he was going to let that belt leave Rumours International.”

After such an emphatic win against a powerful and experienced fighter, Smith believes the sky is the limit for Griffiths.

“I believe he can go all the way to the top,” he said.

The fight night also held special significance as it was honouring the memory of the late Brayd Smith - son of Brendon.

Across the night, Smith’s fighters put in a near faultless performance with the majority of his team coming away with victories.

One of the most exciting fights of the night featured local star Lekaysha Woodbridge who won the World United Championship Brayd Smith Belt.

Smith was over the moon to see Woodbridge take home the belt and there were emotional scenes from the pair following the fight.

Lekaysha Woodbridge celebrates her win on Friday night. Picture: Darren Burns

“It means the world, it was incredible, you could see what she was carrying into the fight and what it meant for her,” he said.

“It was very emotional and I had to hold back tears.

“She had to fight a young lady who is 22, she is only 16 and I think she pipped it in the last 20 seconds of the fight.”

Goondiwindi’s Jed ‘Gunson’ Morris was also fighting for a belt in Brayd Smith’s honour and extended his perfect record as a pro as he defeated Townsville’s Ryan Heck.

“Jed Morris had a big win to go 6-0 in his pro career,” Smith said.

“He won in devastating fashion with a left body shot and the fight was very even until the shot to the body and Ryan Heck is very experienced and fought a lot of big names as well.”

The other major fights on the card saw a former Japanese champion who now calls Toowoomba home in Rikki ‘The Last Samurai’ Naito win the WBC Australasia Super Lightweight Title, while John ‘Toa Samoa’ Maila was crowned the new Queensland Heavyweight champion after a relentless performance against Josh Johnston.

Smith was also blown away by the support from the Darling Downs for their emerging fighters, with Rumours International packed out for the night.

“We had a good night,” he said.

“It was a well-received night and we can’t thank Toowoomba, Pittsworth, the Darling Downs and the surrounding areas for all the support.

“We were a full house so very stoked with that and the support was amazing.”