HIT Factory trainer Danniel Burton is expecting big things from the Golden Square-based boxing squad as the year rolls on.
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State championships are in the sights of many, and in some cases a tilt at nationals.
Although he celebrated his 16th birthday not so long ago, Jordy Garland is taking the step up to youth (under-19s).
"Jordy is one of the most talented boxers, not just at Hit Factory, but in Victoria," Burton said before another training session began at the Allingham Street gym.
Garland fought back from breaking his arm at last year's Silver Gloves tournament in Bendigo to be runner-up for the Victorian junior 63kg title.
"Jordy could have had another year in juniors," Burton said.
"it was becoming more difficult to get opponents willing to take him on.
"I am confident he will perform well in under-19s and be a better boxer in the long-term.
"Jordy has the size, strength and the skill to compete well."
Bouts in the youth are three by three-minute rounds.
The Factory also has Jye Caldwell and Lachie Johnson among an exciting crop of young talent in the 54kg division.
Both are multi-talented sportsmen.
Caldwell has starred on the football field and Johnson on the athletics track.
Hit Factory achieved more success at the recently-furn Fitness Expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Tully Scanlon won the 42kg schoolboys' final on a split decision.
Tom Fitzgerald went up a division in weight and age to lightweight (60kg) youth intermediate final. Fitzgerald won every round in what was a unaminous decision by the judges.
A lot more running has played a big part in Mitch Smith's training in recent months.
Runner-up for the intermediate 75kg title at last year's state titles, Smith will now fight elite middileweight.
"Mitch has plenty of power, but has needed to work on his endurance.
"He has put in plenty of work on his fitness."
The Factory also has Ezra White, elite heavyweight; Sam Wolters, novice welterweight; and Jake Brand, intermediate middleweight focused on more bouts.
Burton said Hit Factory would be chasing as many matches as possible at Victorian Amateur Boxing Association tournaments this year.
"There is a fantastic attitude within the group," the trainer said.
"They all work hard, push each other, and are willing to learn.
"Another great thing is the camaraderie between Bendigo's boxing gyms."
A highlight will be the return of the Silver Gloves tournament to Bendigo in September.
