The gym claimed five wins and two close losses among the 12 bouts of the night. 

The event at the basketball courts last Saturday night had been a great opportunity for their boxers to fight in front of a home crowd of family and friends, said trainers James and Kerry Derrick.

“For most of our fighters who fought on the night, it was their first or second fight. 

“So they showed a lot of courage as they fought tough opponents,” they said. 

“As trainers we thought they all fought well. They stuck to the game plan but there is always room to learn new things which we will work on for next fight night.” 

PCYC boxer John Skinner won his first bout despite only learning several hours before weigh-in if he could cover for a pull-out at short notice. 

“He enjoyed himself in the ring and would like to continue, as it was a challenge,” the Derricks said. 

Heavyweight Evan Crossing fought Bullpit gym’s David Vutaluki. Crossing’s method was described as coming out like “a raging bull” by his trainers. 

“It was a chance to get in the ring and get more experience before heading to Cloncurry for the fight night next month.” Crossing won after two strong rounds but Vutaluki clawed his way back in the third. 

Luke Crumblin was another highlighted fight for the Derricks. He came out against an opponent with much more experience. And Rory Lolan had been a replacement to fill in for a Townsville fighter. 

Crumblin get the fight close and intense for his spectators. He lost in a split decision. 

“Luke said the three rounds seemed like a lifetime,” the Derrick trainers said. 

“And he knows what he needs to work on in the future. He wouldn’t mind having a rematch.” 

Police officer Frank Lawler also entered the ring. He’s not the only officer representing PCYC that fought that night, but he had been a late replacement and yet managed a win. 

The veteran fighter was described as having “a lot of heart” getting into the ring to fight his opponent, the Derricks said. 

Wayne Williams also had a close fight. 

“Wayne said win or lost he just loves getting out there and having fun.” 

Battle in the Outback co-organiser Scott Crawford, who stepped up to fight in the ring himself, was pleased with how close many of the fights had been. It showed he had done well in lining up the fighters for bouts. 

Organisers were considering another event to be held in September in the same venue. They might consider changing the lighting so that lights shone in the ring and nowhere else.