Torquay boxer enjoys Vic title win

TORQUAY’S 17-year-old boxer Euan Kennedy won the Victorian Amateur Boxing Title in late August to become state champion.

Trained by Ashley Lynch of Coastal Boxing, Kennedy overcame Wodonga’s Simba Mensa in a memorable bout at the Ukraine Club in Essendon.

Kennedy said he was very pleased to not only win, but win convincingly.

“It’s been a lot of work doing it, so I’m just really happy to win it and win it well.”

The fight went four rounds, with Kennedy winning by unanimous decision.

Lynch has been Kennedy’s trainer over the past few years, and says Kennedy’s determination has fuelled his rapid improvement.

“Euan stepped in our gym only three years ago, just a skinny little kid from Glasgow. Within a month or two, I noticed something. He had a drive that I’ve never seen before.

“He loves the challenge of doing all the things a loser wouldn’t do and that’s why he’s a winner today, and in such a short time.”

Kennedy says Lynch has been a fantastic coach, teaching him to “fight smart as well as hard.”

Lynch similarly sees Kennedy as the ideal boxer. He says that despite Kennedy’s rapid rise, there have been tough times through which Kennedy has had to be resilient.

“We’ve shared many highs and lows together, involving much blood, sweat and tears along the way.

“But we love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.”