IT MIGHT not necessarily be a big gym, but Pianto Boxing Academy is developing a heavyweight reputation when it comes to state title success.
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The Kangaroo Flat-based gym sent three of its fighters to the Boxing Victoria Junior and Youth Invitational Tournament in Melbourne this month.
Two of them emerged with title wins.
No stranger to success in the boxing ring, rising star Vaughan Stamm stamped himself as a multiple state champion with a win in the 60kg youth division.
Seventeen-year-old Vaughan overcame Jack Denahey in a closely fought contest at Craigieburn, in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
It was his third state title triumph in as many years, giving him the phenomenal strike rate of one championship for each year he's been in the sport.
Stamm said he was keen to do well after narrowly losing his last fight in Queensland.
Relative newcomer Jake May continued the gym's run of success by capturing the 46kg championship with a unanimous points decision against Nic Marinos.
It was Jake's first title win and comes just 12 months after the 15-year-old started training under the guidance of trainer Frank Pianto.
He completed a double by winning both the novice and intermediate titles.
Jake said he was encouraged to get into boxing by his older brother Hayden
"He asked me to come along for a night and see how it goes - it was fun, so I've stuck at it," he said.
"It keeps me fit and busy and have a real passion for it now.
"The only other sport I really played was soccer and I didn't have much interest in it after a while.
"Gary (Austin) and Frank have trained me well, I can't wait for more."
Pianto said both boys - and Vaughan's twin brother Connor Stamm, who won a silver medal - had bright futures ahead of them.
"For Vaughan and Connor to step up from juniors where they fought against 15 and 16-year-olds, to fighting against under-19s is a massive jump," he said.
"To win a state title in his first year of youth is a big achievement for Vaughan.
"Young Jake was able to get a win at his first hit-out for a Victorian title.
"He fought a lot more experienced fighter - Jake's only had the three fights, the other boy had about nine fights and a couple of years more in boxing.
"Gary has done an awesome job with him."
The trio have their next fights in Melbourne on October 2, with the long-term aim to qualify for next year’s national youth and junior championships.