But as of last month, the Goulburn Valley has its own punching pair to rhapsodise about.
Eight-year-old Urijah Harrington, son of local legend Zedda Harrington, controlled the canvas in St Alban’s last Saturday to win on debut against an older — and greater experienced — opponent.
“Urijah is a natural, but that doesn’t deny the fact he puts in a tremendous amount of work” coach and father Zedda Harrington said.
“He is so driven, while most kids are eating junk and playing video games, he is working overtime and sacrificing life’s pleasures to improve and make weight.
“The kid will really make his mark on the boxing world if he sets his mind to it.”
Stepping into the ring with nine-year-old combatant Alex Volpert — who had two previous bouts under his belt — Harrington soon got to work with the words of his father guiding him through the motions.
Spurred on by his mentor, the youngster proved he could bob and weave with the best of them, outclassing Volpert to successfully mark his first outing in the boxing realm with a win.
Proud as punch, dad Zedda was over the moon to see Urijah continue his legacy in addition to his own father’s, Goulburn Valley boxing revelation, Titch Harrington.
“He displayed everything he has been working on, amazing defence, well-placed combinations with beautiful footwork,” he said.
“To see what he does at his tender age blows me away, but I also know what cloth he is cut from”
● While fighters aged 12 or younger are deemed ineligible to compete under the Boxing Victoria banner, Harrington’s triumph was made possible by Inter Club Tournaments for the Pee Wee age groups.
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