Zedda Harrington was pleased as punch as sons Urijah and Izaiah were named national champions
The Harrington brood continued its domination of the Australian youth boxing scene as sibling duo Urijah and Izaiah won gold at the illustrious National Schools Championships 2026.
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Fighting out of the Goulburn Valley Boxing Academy, the fourth-generation teenage competitors continue to fly the flag for their home region, with Shepparton fast becoming one of Oceania’s true combat sports capitals.
Captained by the city’s Kallym Huffer at the garland event, it turned into a weekend to remember for the Victorian contingent in Brisbane.
In the case of Urijah, 15, he continues to excel in the ring, having won at national level on two occasions previously - setting him up for a rare potential three-peat at this year’s edition of the championships.
Tasked with outfoxing the nation's best underage student-athletes down at Eagle Sports Complex, Queensland between July 8-11, the youngster did not disappoint as he represented Victoria with distinction once more.
Claiming the Australian title in his first year as a junior, Urijah claimed the 46kg spoils after the referee stopped the contest in the second round up against Diego Martinez, 16, from NSW.
Shepparton's Urijah Harrington celebrates a three-peat at the nationals.
His opponent in the semi-final, Marx Eadie, boasted a proud family history of his own, with his father having competed at the Commonwealth Games - alongside having a coach who had previously appeared at the Olympic Games.
Speaking after his son took the championship for a third successive year, dad and trainer Zedda Harrington described his pride at the efforts of his eldest boy as he follows in the footsteps of his forefathers on the canvas.
“It’s never been done around our area to have won three national championships,” he said.
“It’s a massive lead up to the nationals, it’s the biggest date on the calendar, with every fighter from the different states well-prepared and in the best shape of their lives.
“We stopped Diego Martinez in the third round, we put three standing eight-counts on him to make the referee wave it off - so to be there, it was a special time that I’ll never forget.
“It’s a historic achievement to even make the Victorian State Team, let alone medal at the nationals, so we’re beyond proud.
“To get the three-peat is outstanding and the work he puts in is reflected in that, as well as myself, the gym and the sponsors - the boxing gods were shining down on us!”
Meanwhile, younger son Izaiah, 13, is also celebrating taking gold in his age group - meaning the Harrington household boasts two reigning national champions.
Younger brother Izaiah Harrington is continuing his family's fine tradition in the ring.
To cap off a bumper weekend for the clan, Izaiah was subsequently named the best under-15 boxer at nationals by Boxing Australia.
This came as the rising talent took the Australian title over adversary Noah Harhoff from Queensland in the final of his division.
“He absolutely blitzed it,” his dad said.
“His opponent came from the All-Star Boxing Club in Queensland and they won five gold and one silver at the nationals (this year).
“The crowd was deafening, the Queensland army was going wild, our army was going wild and it was a final I’ll always remember and quite emotional.
“It was a dominating first round and we ended up stopping him in the second so the referee called it off.”
Since 2023, Zedda has helped to guide his GVBA athletes to seven golds and two silver medals as he continues to put Shepparton on the map in the world of boxing, alongside continuing the family’s tradition.
“It’s really remarkable, it’s unprecedented times for our club,” he said.
“My sons are the fourth generation of boxers in the family, if my dad was looking down on them now, he wouldn’t have missed the fight - he’d have been ringside, that’s for sure.
“We feel his presence and it helps us to set the goals that we do, even though he’s not with us in the flesh, we feel we are fighting for a bigger purpose.”
Next up, the Harringtons will be heading to the Golden Gloves championships between August 17 and 21 before pitting their wits alongside more of the country’s finest talents as Australia faces New Zealand in September.
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