There were ringers, miners, and tourists.

“And they don’t get along with each other,” Mr Brophy said when explaining how Mount Isa was the toughest location that his boxing tent travelled to. 

Mr Brophy said Mount Isa was where he first got his name and he has been travelling here for 34 years. In times gone by his tent has been based near the river, other times where the Coffee Club is now.

On Wednesday and Thursday nights the tent is based in the carpark next to the Isa Hotel, and on Friday and Saturday at Buchanan Park. The shows begin 8pm and 10pm each night. 

There were nine fighters who will take on challengers, including Beaver. “And she has hair on her legs that will spear a rat,” Mr Brophy said. 

Kojak will be another fighter. His real name is Aaron Corden, who has travelled in Brophy’s tent for 20 years and yet this is the first time he has made it to the Isa. 

The Sunshine coast man is a professional Muay Thai fighter who has either fought in championships overseas or had work commitments during the Mount Isa Rodeo. 

He brings his 15-year-old son, Rohan Corden, who only two fights ago was known as Mangrove Jack of the Fred Brophy Boxing Troupe. 

They are both willing to take on challengers. When Kojak was asked if he had any weaknesses that he could reveal to potential challengers from the Isa, he said; “I have never been knocked out, so I don’t know. 

“I have had over 300 fights. If you can knock me out, good luck!

“I don’t go out there to hurt, I go out there to put on a good show.” 

Kojak hoped to get a few kick fights from Mount Isa challengers as well. “That’s always good, something different for the crowd.” 

Mangrove Jack has lost one fight and won the other in the boxing tent, but has just begun a career in Muay Thai. His dad noted that he did not love boxing.

“But he knows it’s going to benefit his career,” Kojak said. Mangrove Jack said; “It’s a bit of a challenge, a bit of fun. I will fight anyone who is up for it.”