SOSHUA Gasio has been labelled one of the country’s most exciting boxing prospects, and he will be able to add to his reputation when he attempts to snare an elusive Queensland junior title.
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Australian Amateur Boxing League president Eric Norman declared Gasio one of the best junior boxers in the Australia, despite the Mount Isa fighter not yet winning a state title.
But he will have the chance to do just that in Cairns tomorrow and Saturday.
Gasio’s best finish at the titles came in 2012, when the 16-year-old claimed a silver medal.
‘‘This tournament is something that I have had my eye on for quite a long time and a title I’m determined to win,’’ Gasio said.
‘‘Having not competed at last year’s titles, I know I can go one better than 2012 and secure the gold medal.’’
The Spinifex State School senior campus student has experienced a meteoric rise in the sport of boxing in the past few months, claiming both the Golden Glove and North-Western titles.
‘‘It’s been an extraordinary year for me winning all these titles, something that me and my family are very proud of,’’ Gasio said.
‘‘Since then, I have been training my backside off in preparation for this Cairns trip, with particular focus on increasing my fitness levels.
‘‘My training included a competition a couple of weeks ago, when I was one of the main bouts against a Rockhampton fighter.’’
The under 17 category fighter will have to be victorious in three fights over tomorrow and Saturday to claim the gold medal.
‘‘After months of hard training, I’m keen to actually put it all to use in the ring and challenge myself against the best boxers my age in the state,’’ Gasio said.
The Mount Isa fighter has a busy couple of months ahead of him, culminating with the November 27-29 National Titles in Tasmania.
‘‘After Cairns, I head to Cloncurry on October 11 for a fight and have recently been invited to take part in the Australian Boxing Association tournament in Longreach the following weekend,’’ Gasio said.
‘‘Both of these competitions will keep me on my toes before the National Titles at the end of the year.
‘‘But I’m not concentrating on that at the moment, with my primary focus being claiming the gold medal this weekend in Cairns.’’
The boxing prodigy has recently been recognised by the Buffs Club as one of the strongest junior athletes in the region, with them jumping on board with sponsorship.
‘‘I’d like to thank the Buffs Club for their sponsorship, which has helped with the travel expenses and training equipment,’’ Gasio said.