Gym aims to boost boxing’s profile

Hedland boxing enthusiasts hope more fighters will throw their hats into the ring after Unit 2 Boxing gym opened in Wedgefield.

Fitted with a full-size boxing ring and floor-to-ceiling punching bags, the spacious new gym has been running for the past eight weeks in a vacant Wedgefield industrial unit provided at discounted rent.

Local business owner John Van Maanen is overseeing the gym and said while everyone was encouraged to come and get fit, he also aimed to support long-time Hedland trainer Lewis Que Ming, better known as China.

China has spent more than a decade training fighters and children at his Port Hedland gym, using boxing to help them find discipline in their everyday lives.

He also recently ran the North West Boxing Competition, in which Hedland’s best pugilists took on contenders from Broome and across the Pilbara before a roaring crowd at The Pier Hotel.

Van Maanen said the two gyms now hoped to promote boxing together and produce more local fighters.

“We needed more fighters at (China’s last event) so, to support China’s gym, we started a second boxing club ... and are trying to promote boxing in town.”

“So when China runs his next fights in October, we will hopefully have more people fighting.

“We want about 10 seniors fighting, plus the juniors and women fighters as well.”

With Unit 2 fitted with much of China’s equipment, Hedland resident Mark Alfred said he had been enjoying training at the gym for the past five weeks.

“I’ve never boxed before, but it is definitely a good way to lose fat. I’ve lost about 7kg in five weeks,” he said.

“It is good fun and a good environment, that is why I keep coming back.”