Izaiah Harrington and Urijah Harrington are set for their latest challenge in the ring in Adelaide.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton boxing brothers Izaiah and Urijah Harrington are preparing for the “biggest tests” of their burgeoning careers in the ring at the Adelaide Club Championships.
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The teenage sensations, who fight out of Goulburn Valley Boxing Academy (GVBA), have already experienced a bumper year - having won bouts at events in various locations in Australia in 2026.
However, the trip down to Adelaide represents a major task for the sibling pair, with both pugilists set to take on opponents from superior weight divisions down at the city’s Dom Polski Centre.
A date with destiny beckons for the youngsters on May 23 and the family duo have been putting in their preparations during fight week in an underage training camp organised by Boxing Victoria at the Collingwood Boxing Club in Melbourne.
Ahead of the trip to South Australia, trainer and parent Zedda Harrington confirmed that the decision had been made to take part in the spectacle despite fighters having snubbed the chance to face his sons in their respective weight classes.
Now, Izaiah, 13, will compete against New South Wales talent Nate Doyle (Team Lantry Boxing) at 42kg, as opposed to his usual 36kg - which is three divisions below.
This bout will bring the Shepparton fighter into competition with the current national champion in that weight class.
In addition, Urijah, 15, is set to come up against Western Australia’s James Washer (Wanneroo ABC) at 50kg, with potential opponents having eschewed the chance to fight him at 46kg.
Speaking to the News before what promises to be a landmark weekend for the GVBA, Dad Zedda provided insight into the mood within the camp as he looked forward to what will undoubtedly be a formative experience for the boys.
Zedda Harrington will look to guide sons Izaiah and Urijah to victory down in Adelaide.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“We found ourselves in a tough spot, everyone nominated to fight them here (in their usual weight classes) has refused to fight them,” he said.
“With that, the only ones willing to fight the boys are kids in the heavier weight divisions so we either had to sit this one out - or take on the challenge.
“There’s weight classes for a reason and I’ve been really clear with the boys that I have a duty of care so we’ve assessed it and they’re all for it.
“So, I feel like I’d be holding them back if we didn’t got for it - a true fighter will take on anyone - and the boys are the true definition of that.”
As for the message he has delivered to his sons as the countdown to the action from Adelaide continues, the trainer was certain that his starlets are ready for whatever is thrown at them in the ring.
“What they’ve shown here is true character and their fighting spirit.,” he said.
“I always stress that boxing is a very tactical sport, and tactics can see you through and you can have a positive outcome if you play it right and be strategic.
“That’s a lot of what our club is based on and it’s going to be very interesting - we’re going to get an experience anyway - wins and losses are all learning curves so this will be no different.
“My biggest statement to the boys is ‘bite off more than you can chew and chew it’,” dad Zedda said, in a closing comment.
“Boxing is a journey and it’s a very challenging sport - so it’s about taking challenges head on and enjoying the journey.”
“Urijah is fighting a kid from WA who has won a silver medal at nationals and it’ll be the biggest win of Izaiah‘s career if he is to pull it off against a national gold medallist.
“It’ll surprise a few people if [Izaiah] does it but occasions like this, you have to dare to be great.”
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