ALTHOUGH they are national titles rookies, Team Bendigo boxers Dino Rafaeles and Brad Morgan are not daunted by the challenges they will face.
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They are among a 60-strong Victorian team that will be chasing glory at the Australian Amateur Boxing Association national titles from April 27 until May 2 on the Gold Coast.
Rafaeles, 23, is in the flyweight (52kg) class and Morgan, 20, is in the welterweight (69kg) division.
They have put in many hours training with Pat and Gary Connolly at the California Gully-based gym and in workouts with Olympic boxer Lynden Hosking.
Training sessions are nine times a week.
Rafaeles said he had learnt plenty.
"There's been a lot of work on quick movement, hands and feet.
"It's my first nationals, so I am really focused on boxing well."
Two of his biggest supporters are his partner, Thelma and their fourth-month-old son, Joseph.
The lead-up for Morgan has included running in the early hours.
"The rounds are three minutes," he said of the three-round contests.
"That extra minute is a huge test."
There are 12 contenders in Morgan's class, so to win gold would require four bouts.
Morgan and his partner Talicia have a three-month-old daughter, Brydie.
On the boxing front, Gary Connolly believes Rafaeles and Morgan will do well.
"They are strong and have the durability to go a long way.
"They have done a lot of drills and pad work with Lynden which has really lifted their confidence."