Heavy leather is set to fly Saturday 18 September when live boxing returns to the Douglas Shire after nearly a three-decade hiatus, event organisers Danny and Megan Buzza have been blown away by the overwhelming support from the community for the upcoming Sunstate Amateur Boxing Tournament. 

The inaugural tournament for Buzza’s Boxing Gym, dubbed the ‘Port Douglas Reef Rumble’, will be hosted by the Port Douglas Reef Raiders at the Port Douglas sports complex.

It is expected to boast a 20–25 fight card featuring local fighters mixed with some of FNQ’s most talented boxers all taking a swing to test their wills in the squared circle. 

Danny Buzza the former super cruiserweight Australian champion turned coach at Buzza’s Boxing Gym said this will be a great night of amateur boxing which the Douglas Shire has not seen for many years. 

“It will be a family friendly event and a lot of people will be able to support our boxers who have been training behind the scenes for a long while.

“We are a very tight nit community, and it will be great for people to be able to support their friends, family, and work colleagues,” said Mr Buzza. 

Mr Buzza is a veteran boxing trainer who has devoted his life to the ring - mentoring both adults and children that have been training out of his boxing gym over the years. 

He has coached a great deal of local boxers who have always had to travel to compete in competitions like Sunstate Amateur Boxing League tournaments, charity fight nights, master’s matches, and boxers in training events.

For the club’s pugilists, ranging from sub juniors, school age, juniors, seniors, and masters this tournament will be a real emotional wallop for them to finally take to the ring in front of a hometown crowd to be able to compete in their own shire.

Megan Newman who has been training at Buzza’s gym for two and a half years with seven fights under her belt said fighting with the support of the hometown behind them will definitely fuel the fire to take home a win.

“Port Douglas can not only expect to see a fantastic showcase of the amateur boxing talent we have to offer in the ring but also a display of true sportsmanship and comradery as a club as a whole,” said Newman.

Fourteen-year-old Bailey Vance who will have his first fight on 18 September said he was excited to have it in Port Douglas.

“I am very excited for the upcoming fight because it will be something different for me.

“I have been training since I was seven, I love training there [Buzza’s Boxing Gym] because it reminds me of a family, I believe that we are all in it together when training, something most gyms don't do,” said Vance.

Boxing is a sport that attracts a variety of people from all walks who work hard not only to make something of themselves in the ring but also to improve the community and the world we live in.

"I have been wanting to organize an event like this for a long time now, since I retired from professional boxing,” said Mr Buzza.

“Boxing gave me a lot as a sport, and I just want to give something back.

“Boxing as a sport has a positive flow on influence on the community, it teaches young kids to be respectful and disciplined, it’s fantastic for their physical and mental health and is great for their self-esteem. 

“It also in my opinion, is one of the best cardio workouts. It gives you good balance, hand eye coordination and strength, as well as agility, it also is one of the best ways to think, while under pressure,” said Mr Buzza. 

For those who are new to the sweet science, boxing remains as one of our purest sports, it is both highly technical and emotional. Behind the calculated slugfest when a fighter steps through the ropes, they’re certain to have a powerful, life-altering experience.

It is the real-life drama that unfolds in the ring that intrigues fans, they anticipate seeing a fighter overcome adversity and pain to push through to an unforgettable triumph. The witness of struggle and determination are what makes up an exciting, thrilling, and compelling fight night. 

The family friendly night will feature entertainment, a kitchen and bar, and a mega raffle with doors opening at 5:00 pm under the stars at Port Douglas sports complex.

Mr Buzza said the Port Douglas Rugby Union Club [Port Douglas Reef Raiders] have been consistent supporters of the Boxing club by coming to the gym over the last two sessions for pre-season training. 

“This is why when we were looking at hosting an outdoor tournament the first place we thought of was to have it at the Union Grounds to be able to give back a little to the club. 

“We can't thank the Raiders enough for helping out with and supporting us with the tournament,” said Buzza.

For your chance to see a line-up of talented boxers firsthand and supporting local fighter tickets can be purchased at Buzza’s Boxing Gym by calling 0499 940 705 or visit the Facebook page.