Boxing gold to Satali

Umina PCYC boxing student Satali Tevi-Fuimaono has returned from the National Amateur Boxing Titles in Tasmania with his second Australian gold medal.

The 14-year-old was the youngest boxer in the Under-16 age group.

However, his march toward the 63kg junior welter-weight belt could not be stopped, said Satali's coach Mr Joel Keegan, who is the PCYC boxing director.

"Matched in the semi-final against defending champion Luke Pilarinos from Victoria, Tevi-Fuimaono put on a great display of tactical boxing to beat his highly credentialed opponent," said Mr Keegan.

Pilarinos was trained by former world champion Barry Michael and has just returned from last year's World Championships in Kazakhstan.

Mr Keegan said he was widely expected to be too much for the young Umina boxer but Tevi-Fuimaono was undeterred.

"This bout in particular proves the maturity of Satali," he said.

"He goes up against a kid he knows has runs on the board, but still fights smarter than him.

"Skill is one thing, but to be so switched on is impressive," he said.

The final brought Honi Hone, Queensland's hot prospect and a convincing semi-final winner, up to the plate.

"The bout looked like it might have been one of the most memorable of the tournament," said Mr Keegan.

Tevi-Fuimaono took the fight from the Queenslander right away by shooting out to a 7-0 lead at the completion of the first round.

With a final score of 14-3, it was the widest margin of the tournament for all junior bouts.

"It's always good to see Satali put the foot down and put up a score on a weekend when most boxers struggled to score effectively," said Mr Keegan.

Plans for Tevi-Fuimaono to take on the world's best in Kansas, USA, later in the year are in full swing and Umina PCYC boxing coach said he was optimistic.

"No Australian boxer has ever won the Ringside World Championships, but I'd like to think Satali would give it a real shake.

"His combination of skill and power, dedication and desire make him a special 14-year-old.

"Having said that, Kansas is full of kids like Satali, and we are fully aware of just how tough the assignment will be."

Key to Tevi-Fuimaono's preparation will be his participation in the inaugural Australian Fitness and Health Expo Invitational Titles at Darling Harbour in April.

"This will be a very prestigious event, and to be extended one of the few invites as a junior boxer is wonderful recognition of his hard work and promise," said Mr Keegan.

The recognition continues with Tevi-Fuimaono's placement in a series of television commercials promoting the PCYC's 75th anniversary.

Tevi-Fuimaono was chosen on the back of being awarded Young Achiever of the Year 2011 throughout all PCYC's in NSW.

Media Release, 21 Feb 2012 Joel Keegan, PCYC Boxing