Mooroopna’s GV Boxing Academy’s Noah Bentancourt made a successful start to his career, winning his debut on points.
Bentancourt came up against a fellow local fighter, Declan Connors, in what was an all-out country bout, held at the Italian Sports Club in Werribee.
The fight was middleweight after Bentancourt couldn’t be matched at welterweight.
It was a high-paced fight from the start, where Bentancourt took out the first two rounds comfortably.
The third round was the closest throughout the contest.
“It was an honour to represent GV Boxing and the town of Mooroopna,” Bentancourt said.
“I hope that it inspires others to come in and give it a crack and push their limits.”
The young gun's coach Zed Harrington said it was special to see his student claim victory, as well as have the sport return.
“After so long between tournaments it was just a relief to see our show go on,” Harrington said.
“It was the first fight under the new GV Boxing school and it couldn’t have got off to a better start.
“Noah is a dream student, which we are fortunate to work with and help grow.
“The gym is very pleased with the commitment and how coachable this young man is. He is a good role model for his stablemates.”
Harrington said it was pleasing to see boxing continue its upward trajectory in regional areas.
“It's great to see the sport going from strength-to-strength in country Victoria,” he said.
“Having Mooroopna against Shepparton in Werribee was a great sign of that.”
The sport of boxing is a true test of oneself, spiritually and physically.
Many come, few stay, it’s not for the disliking or unfulfilment, but the demands and commitment it takes according to Harrington.
“Like any good teachers, I put in a lot of time preparing my guys and sacrifice many things in life to allow these kids to fulfil their goals and hopefully their dreams,” he said.
“I like to think, well I know, actually, that I have been a major positive influence to their character regardless if they continue in the sport or not.”
The fresh debutant Bentancourt looks to be well on the way to having a promising career in the sport.
The team is hopeful a ring return for its new prospect is April 18 or May 2.
● Harrington's two boys, Izaiah and Urijah, competed in interclub fights at the weekend.
The boxing coach said his academy was open to anyone wanting to test out their skills in the ring.
“GV Boxing run a range of classes that cater for all ages, experience and fitness levels,” he said.
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