Derrick's Boxing local fighter Sunny Raitava, has returned home a gold medalist after success in the ring at the 17th Australian Masters Games in Adelaide last Monday October 7.
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Raitava was unmatched in the 91kg 41-45 year division which meant a gold medal was on the cards.
Raitava then matched up against open division fighter Matthew Fraser, also from Queensland, who had more experience but same weight division.
Coach James Derrick said Raitava was classed as intermediate and Matthew in the open, however as they are within five years of one another the fight can go on.
"Special bouts are not exhibition fights, you fight to win," Mr Derrick said.
Raitava said Matthew was a strong competitor, and he knew that coming into the fight.
"He came out in attack straight up in Round One. Round two though is where I stepped it up, picking my body punches and leading to the referee stopping the contest after two eight counts against him," Raitava said.
Team coaches Kerry and James Derrick said the result was down to Raitava's dedication to his training.
"We've had great success this year as a club, and it helps as coaches when we have senior fighters like Sunny that lead by example in what they eat, how they train and the example they set," Kerry said.
Team Derrick have more fights yet to attend this year in Mackay and Middlemount and for Raitava's next goal to tick off he is looking ahead to next year's Pan Pacific Masters Games.
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