Geelong boxer qualifies for National Championships

GEELONG boxer Ollie Leslie will look to use his recent form when he represents Victoria at the coming Australian Schools titles in Darwin.

The young gun has qualified for the national championships in September after winning the Victorian title in May, in the 65-70kg weight class for 17 and 18-year-olds.

More recently, Leslie returned from a tri-national tournament in Fiji, where he won his first match convincingly and narrowly lost his second against the Oceanic Championships silver medallist.

Leslie said his fights in Fiji taught him some valuable lessons that he can take into the national championships.

“It was unreal, the environment and the competition, the atmosphere as well – pushed me to another level.

“I gained a lot of confidence from being under that pressure and performing well.

“I’ll take the momentum and mindset into (the) national champs, staying composed and focused and just trusting the work that I’ve put in.”

While winning the title in Darwin is the obvious goal, Leslie also said his goal was to send a message to his opponents.

“I want to make a statement. Obviously, (I’m) coming to win, but I want to make a statement.”

The 18-year-old is preparing for the national championships with his coach Jason Caine, who operates out of Corner Boxing in South Geelong.

Leslie said Caine was a massive influence on his boxing, and they were both ready for whatever comes at them in Darwin.

“He (Caine) is basically like family to me.

“We’re so close and we’ve got a good relationship. He knows exactly when to push me at the right times, his experience and belief has kept me sharp and disciplined as well, and hungry.

“Whatever we come up against, we’ve got a gameplan for.”

On top of his own training, Leslie also runs classes at Corner Boxing during the week, which has helped him improve and grow individually.

“Teaching forces and techniques has definitely helped me with my strategy and (I’m) much more aware of small things that can win or lose a fight,” he said.

“Staying active and involved in others’ growth just keeps me mentally locked and motivated as well.”

The Australian Schools championships in Darwin will run from September 30 to October 3.

BY TIMES NEWS GROUP