THE thrill of victory and agony of defeat were felt by the Golden Square-based Hit Factory squad at Sunday’s round of the Victorian Amateur Boxing Association championships.
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Competing in the intermediate class, Todd Robertson became the state champion in the 64kg division.
Robertson’s victory was in stark contrast to the defeat endured by another of the Factory’s young stars, Mitch Smith in the intermediate 69kg class.
Hit Factory trainer Danniel Burton said the day’s boxing mirrored the highs and lows of sport.
“Todd put in a fantastic effort to win the final,” Burton said.
“We went to the Reggio Calabria Club in Brunswick thinking it would be a quarter-final,” Burton said.
“But a lot were above the weight, so Todd took on Nezza Eskirimo for the state title.”
Robertson dominated the six-minute contest, which was over three rounds.
“Todd was on the front foot from the first bell and raced to a big lead,” Burton said.
“He kept his hands high, worked hard on defence, kept moving and boxed really well.
“There was an eight-count in the final round.”
By the final bell, Robertson led 22-11.
Burton said Robertson had learnt a lot from watching Smith’s bout earlier in the day.
The bout between Smith and Peninsula’s Craig Bell started evenly as both boxers scored three points in the first round.
Smith upped the pressure in the second and led 6-4 going into the third.
“Mitch knew he had to stay out of trouble and the fight was his,” Burton said.
“He may have gone too defensive, but Bell didn’t seem to score with many punches.”
To their dismay, the contest was awarded to Bell, 8-7.
“We were completely shocked by the judges’ call, but you have to accept the decision.
“It’s not easy, though,” said Burton.
Two more boxers from Hit Factory, Ezra White, 91kg, and Keenan Gallagher, 75kg, will compete this weekend at Brunswick.