By RON LANE
AS I sat on the steps of the Impact Boxing Academy in Cooroy with Sam Cameron-Hands and discussed his recent trip to Russia, it became clear – here was a very determined and confident young man.
Not only was he chosen to represent Australia at the recent World Amateur Boxing Championships in St Petersburg, but this well-spoken fighter, training under the coaching and supervision of Mark Evans, also received the honor of being named the captain of the junior team.
“It certainly was a great trip, a good learning experience,” he said.
To achieve selection was not easy. Starting his career some five years ago Sam now boxes in the 57kg division. Throughout the years, he has had a total of 53 fights and won in his own words, “40 something, not really sure of the total”.
Included in that “40 something” are three state and national championships, and three National Golden Gloves (International Competition) Championships.
At this stage his father David bought me up to speed on the family history.
“I never fought myself, but Sam’s grandfather and great-grandfather were both fighters. Also in our family tree there is Freddie Mills the great English fighter, who as a professional won the Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.”
David and his wife Denise, along with Sam and his young brother Ben, 13, migrated to Cooroy from Manchester, in England, in 2007.
Denise, known as Dee, said: “Coming to Australia we wanted to change everything. We first saw Brisbane but started seeing ads about ‘Noosa hinterlands came for a look’ and fell in love with the place. Honestly I think I have died and gone to heaven”.
Regarding the boys’ boxing careers, it was Ben who started it all. Ever since he was four-years-old, Ben has been obsessed by the sport.
Once settled in Cooroy, they knew they had to do something about it.
“We read an article regarding the Impact Boxing Academy, so we enrolled him – at eight years of age.
“Typical of our boys, if Ben was into something then Sam had to be in it too, so three weeks later he joined the club.
“David and I met with the coach Mark Evans and the relationship is such that we now call ourselves the Impact Family. We couldn’t be happier.”
For Sam, his future is clear.
“I want to make the Australian team for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and follow this up by boxing in the Olympics. All going well I then plan to turn professional.”
Sam, who is a Noosa District High School student, said his mates were jealous of his travel, but proud of his achievements.
His preparation for Russia was tough, with training six days a week – running and spring work in the morning and gym sessions in the evening.
“This tough training is great for self-discipline. It gives you a clear idea of what you want in life,” he said.
For Mark, who travelled to Russia as one of the Home Coaches, working with the boys has been a pleasure.
“They are good lads and they have no trouble accepting the self-discipline that is required to reach the top in boxing. There can be no half measures; everything has to be done properly.”
The trip to Russia had one drawback for Sam. When the draw for the bouts came out, with 31 fighters in his division, Sam drew the Czech Republic fighter who was favored to win.
In one of the closest fights of the night Sam lost on a split decision.
Although disappointed he accepted the decision with good grace.
“Split decisions happen. It goes with the sport and and you have to accept it,” he said.
With 47 countries and 475 fighters in attendance it was not just about the competition.
“With countries like Japan, USA, Cuba, England, Ireland, Russia and the Ukraine being bought together it had to be well organised and well run; and it certainly was,” Mark said.
“After the tournament they used the same venue as a training camp. With such a high standard of fighters on call, the training and sparing sessions were a great learning curve.”
Not to be overshadowed by his older brother, young Ben has had 48 fights for 40 win. Included in these are three Australian titles and five Golden Gloves.
To watch this young man spar with his fast hands and good footwork, there can be no doubt that when he is eligible to contest the World Championships, a place in the Australian Team is not beyond his reach.
For the Cameron-Hands brothers their next tournament will be Cooroy High School this Saturday evening.
Then for Sam, in October it’s off to Germany where once again he will represent his country fighting against the German team for the Brandenburg Cup – tough international competition with three fights in 10 days.
Away from the fight game Mark runs his own company, Evans Painting Contractors and as such is able to provide work for some of his dedicated boxing squad. His success over the years speaks for itself.
However to join this highly tuned team you don’t just walk in; a quite informative phone call is the best way to open the door.
“Love to hear from young people,” the coach said.
Mark, a veteran of some 32 fights has run the academy for 10 years
To assist with the financial burden Sam is sponsored by the John Jenkins Company, Ricon Constructions.
“Business houses should support the community so to assist Sam and the Impact Club is a great opportunity to do so,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Young Sam is a perfect gentleman and Impact is a tightknit family club. Both are a credit to the community.”
The Impact Boxing Academy and the Cameron-Hands family, are all Our People.
