Punters hail boxing’s return

Pilbara boxing returned to its roots last Saturday as Hedland’s best pugilists took on contenders from across the region in front of a roaring crowd at The Pier Hotel.

Popular local Taylor Coffin secured the biggest cheer of the night when he defeated Perth’s Aaron Sparks in the 81kg division of the North West Cup Boxing Competition, but Hedland fighters Luke Sarana and Kit Davies also scored wins.

Organiser Lewis Que Ming, better known as China, was delighted.

“It was one of the best nights The Pier Hotel has ever had, ” he said.

“The crowd was fantastic and we even had some of the elders who fought back in (1979 and the early 1980s) there watching.”

The successful event recalled Hedland’s colourful past, with early boxing bouts held in a tin shed at The Pier, while the town has also hosted the highly regarded golden gloves and iron gloves competitions.

Ming said he had been encouraged to host another fight night soon, with female fighters to feature on the next card.

He thanked supporters, including former boxer and event judge, deputy mayor Camilo Blanco, and John Van Maanen, who helped set up the ring.

Winners on the night included Hedland’s Luke Sarana from Ming’s gym over Karratha fighter Damien Lee in the 69kg division and Hedland’s Kit Davies, who beat Karratha’s Derek Lee in his first fight. Hedland’s Dylan Edmonds went down to Robert Cooker in an entertaining 81kg fight, while Coffin won his 81kg bout against Sparks.

Luke Morrison won the final 91kg contest against Chris Wishart.