Big hits and big wins for Surf Coast fighters

MATT WILLIAMS

Owner, Bones MMA

Surf Coast fighters have delivered a strong showing on the national stage, with local athletes standing out at the largest Muay Thai event ever held in Australia.

Held as part of the Muay Thai Australia Nationals and International Open, the tournament brought together competitors from across the country and overseas in a high-tempo, elimination style format.

For A-Class athletes, the stakes were high, with gold medals securing a place on the Australian national team.

Among the standout performers was Bones MMA’s young prodigy Astin Sword, who continued his perfect run, moving to 7-0 after claiming gold in the boys 26kg division.

Displaying composure well beyond his years, Sword’s performance marked him as one to watch.

Archie Edington was equally impressive, securing two dominant wins before finishing his South Australian opponent in the final with a sharp left body kick, a clinical end to a controlled campaign.

Luis Blythman added to the metal tally with a strong run to silver in the 75kg division, while Ki Young and Billy gained valuable experience again more seasoned opponents.

Across town, Corner Boxing Gym is riding a strong run of results leading into a key stretch of the competitive boxing calendar. The coming Youth State Titles, to be held 1-3 May, will see three young fighters aiming to qualify for the National Championships in Queensland this July.

Rising star Sonny Barsic showed outstanding composure over the weekend, competing twice in two days against interstate opponents and securing both a unanimous and split decision win.

He has also gained valuable experience through seven exhibition bouts as part of Boxing Victoria’s under-13 elite program.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Raice Atkin continues to impress, earning a split decision win while fighting up a weight class against a highly experienced opponent, avenging a previous loss in the process.

On the professional stage, Ignacio “Nacho” Contreras delivered a standout performance as co-main event on the Camilleri vs Telepe card at the Melbourne Pavilion.

Fighting under TKO Promotions, Contreras improved his professional record to 4-0 with a victory over previously undefeated Ibrahim Bakhtiari, a former Swedish international amateur champion.

And across the Surf Coast, the work continues – with a few massive months of combat sports ahead.