Ryan has Golden Gloves in his sights

AN Australian and Victorian titleholder in boxing, Bendigo teenager Ryan Polglaise will chase Golden Gloves glory this Saturday on Queensland’s Bribie Island.

The 16-year-old will compete in the light heavyweight (80kg) division for 15-17 years.

In less than nine months of amateur boxing, Polglaise has claimed the Australian Amateur Boxing League and Victorian ABL title belts.

The state title was won at Eaglehawk’s Truscott Reserve.

Now it’s Golden Gloves he is after.

The talented teenager and trainer Lucas Allen have put in many hours to build strength, fitness and develop his boxing craft.

“Golden Gloves carries a lot of prestige,” Allen said after another gruelling workout with his young charge at Bendigo Fight Centre in Golden Square.

It’s been an incredible run by Polglaise since he first stepped through the doors of the Allingham Street gym.

“My main goal when I started at the gym was to lose weight.”

It’s been a remarkable transformation from tipping the scales at 120kg when he was 14 to now be one of the country’s emerging talents in the boxing world.

“I started with one personal training session with Lucas and then just wanted to do more workouts and join the Fighters’ Squad.”

The unbeaten boxer now trains six days a week at BFC.

“There’s three sessions per day. It’s an early start with Marcus for strength and conditioning, a break, and then training with Lucas.”

After helping out with the Youth boxing program, Polglaise then has another evening training session.

It’s not just striking the bag and pads that he does.

Plenty of running has helped build cardio strength.

“I really enjoy the training and helping out around the gym.”

There are plenty in Polglaise’s corner and following his progress.

Greatest supporters are parents Kyal and Teghan.

Another keen supporter is Ryan’s girlfriend, Chilli.

“Encouragement from family, friends and all at the gym means so much.”

Polglaise’s boxing journey is helped along by sponsors Kazz & Co, Outside Box, Nugget Finder, IronTide Bendigo, Royale Roofing and Waterproofing.

“Their support is incredible.”

“Golden Gloves is another step toward a goal to represent Australia.”