Sport
23 November, 2025
Junior boxer shows tenacious fighting spirit
UP-and-coming Port Douglas boxer Nate Martinelli was the only Douglas Shire representative at a ‘Freedom Rising’ community sparring development day in Cairns.
Cairns-based gym Freedom Boxing hosted its first development day, a grassroots event created to bring together gyms, boxers and families from across Cairns and the Far North region.
Held at Edge Hill State School’s green shed, the initiative aimed to give boxers of all ages and experience levels the chance to develop their skills in a safe, supportive and non-competitive environment.
With participants from multiple local clubs and as far as Townsville, it focused on confidence-building, technical growth and fostering stronger connections within the regional boxing community.
Freedom Boxing’s head coach Patrick Kelly said the event was built around ‘the Freedom way’ – the gym’s philosophy of respect, discipline and unity.
He said freedom rising wasn’t about winning or losing – “it was about helping boxers grow, testing themselves and bringing our community together”.
Supported by Freedom’s local sponsors and food vendor, the event drew strong attendance from athletes, families and supporters alike.
“Everyone had a great day at Freedom Rising our first ever community sparing event.”
“It was about getting in the ring, testing yourself, learning and building confidence,” Mr Kelly said.
The event involved boxers from all levels jumping in from juniors, through to competitive athletes.
Evolution Boxing was more than pleased with the turnout of their boxers, including Master Martinelli with a coach more than pleased with his performance.
“Nate from Port Douglas showed great determination and heart throughout the day and each bout,” he said.
