We reveal the next generation of boxing stars on the Darling Downs

Every year, more and more Darling Downs boxers make their mark on the national and international stage. We shine a light on some of the future stars of boxing in the region.

Zoe Christodoulou and Darcy Long of Revolution boxing. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Darling Downs has long been a hotbed for boxing talent, with some of the best boxers in Australia and the world hailing from the region.

From Michael Katsidis throughout the 2000s and 2010s, to Jackson Griffiths today, there has never been a shortage of stars.

We have run the rule across the region to unveil the boxers who have the potential to become future stars and continue the region’s boxing legacy.

See who made the list below.

Aiden Preston in action during The Big Fights 34 last year. Picture: Darren Burns

Aiden Preston

A young boxer who has shown plenty of promise and maturity for his age.

Preston is all heart and brings an elite work ethic to continually improve himself

Jack Haggarty

While he may be small in stature the 13 year old tips the scales at 38kg and has shown immense potential.

Renowned boxing trainer Brendon Smith believes he will be an interesting boxer to watch over the next few years and praised his intelligence in the ring.

Amelia O'Toole. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Amelia O’Toole

Originally from Charleville, O’Toole used to travel to Toowoomba as a young gun to train during her school holidays but has since moved to the Garden City to help pursue her dream.

She is a regular on The Big Fights cards held in the region and will be in action again later this year at Rumours International for The Big Fights 37.

Lekaysha Woodbridge celebrates her win on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Rumours International Toowoomba. Picture: Darren Burns

Lekaysha Woodbridge

The 17-year-old is a shining light for boxing in the region and has an incredible talent.

Like, O’Toole, Woodbridge has been labelled as “the real deal” by Smith and has potential to make her mark at an international level in years to come.

Woodbridge has been a force to be reckoned with of late, winning several bouts, including the fight for the World United Championship Brayd Smith Belt in Toowoomba earlier this year.

Smithy's TGW Gym member Ruby King after success at the Australian Amateur Boxing League Titles in Tasmania. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ruby King

King has recently turned 13 and while she may only have limited experience, has shown immense talent.

King picked up a gold medal in the Australian Amateur Boxing League Titles held in Tasmania last year in just her third career bout.

“It was amazing, the most amazing experience I’ve had in sport ever,” she said.

Andy Kisiel celebrates a win in Big Fights 35. Picture: Darren Burns

Andy Kisiel

The 16-year-old is an incredible fighter with an unrivalled passion for stepping into the ring.

No matter who he is up against, Kisiel fights with no fear and Smith believes he could be one to watch if he makes the move to the pro scene in years to come.

Jacob Copeland

Copeland is an impressive long-distance fighter who recently claimed a strong win in Sydney.

Harrison Edwards

A young gun who continues to improve every year he gets older.

Edwards has built a strong foundation for when he eventually looks to break into the pro arena as he has impressive physical gifts with lightning speed and incredible power.

Karter George

Boxing is in Karter’s blood with the young fighter following his dad Commonwealth Games champion dad Kris into the ring.

Karter recently won the Golden Gloves 52kg weight division in Brisbane - the same title his dad won at the same age.

Zoe Christodoulou

Christodoulou is among a host of young fighters leading a female boxing revolution on the Darling Downs.

The 20-year-old, who recently 51-54kg division of the Australasia Amateur Boxing Titles, has excellent movement and footwork which helps her dart into range to land quickfire combos on her opponent before slipping away from their punches.

Darcy Long

Long is a disciplined fighter who is at his best when ‘gets inside’ and goes to his strengths.

The 16-year-old loves to get on the front foot and dictate the pace of his fights but will brawl when he has to.

Fighting at the recent Australasia Amateur Boxing Titles, Long won gold in the 54-57kg division.

Liam Roderick

One of Revolution Boxing’s emerging stars.

Roderick, 14, is a perfect four from four in his fight careering and is already showing the commitment and skills of athletes with much more experience.

Dalby’s Judd Alderton. Picture: contributed

Judd Alderton

A multiple state and national champion is only 15 years old but is already a proven big match fighter.

The promising Dalby boxer loves to pile the pressure on his opponents – getting in as many quality punches as he can to score points with the judges.

Kye Lawler

One of Warwick’s best young stars, Lawler has multiple state champion and has countless big fights wins to his name.

Junior Gelston

You’d be hard pressed to find a 15-year-old boxer with much more big fight experience than Gelston.

The Richos Boxing Gym fighter is a three time Golden Gloves winner and has a state championship victory to his name as well.