NT Titles 29th October 2016

A record 23 fights on a night made for the sport they call the “sweet science’’ displayed the boxing talent on offer right across the Territory.

Boxing NT president Brett Schroeder and his administration have had to schedule another seven fights at the same venue next week to complete the fight card.

“It’s just phenomenal what has happened to the sport in terms of participation and interest,’’ Schroeder told the NT News.

“We had 10 junior bouts and 13 senior fights on a packed program and every contest was hard fought and well supported by the 400-plus crowd we had there.

“For me it echoes the work the late Boyd Scully did for boxing and others like Gavin Coehn and Byron Davis, who continue to push boxing as a sport for everyone.’’

Schroeder highlighted the James Monck-Jent Desanto 77kg bout as the fight of the night.

“The crowd went ballistic during the fight, which James won on a split points decision after three tight and hard hitting rounds,’’ he said.

“It was James’ first official fight and we’re hoping he continues to develop and refine his boxing to become an even more popular figure up here.’’

Officials will sit down to select an eight-strong Territory squad to contest the national amateur titles in Adelaide early next year.

Schroeder said it was important to send a strong and committed squad to the championships in preference to one with big numbers.

“In the past we’ve run into some very good fighters from interstate and haven’t really shown our best side, so this time we’re going to send a smaller and stronger team away,’’ he said.

“Our development manager Gavin will head the selection panel, with a view to having the squad named and in full training by mid-November.’’

Full results from the NT Amateur Boxing Championships will appear in Tuesday’s NT News.