Sport
30 October, 2026
Boxer wins state title after extensive travel
TRAVELLING 4462 kilometres in just one week and fighting three bouts in seven days, Innisfail boxer Kevin Simpson Jr proved his commitment to the sport as he claimed another Queensland title and earned selection in the state team.
Simpson, 19, and teammate Daniel Tatipata represented Simo’s Boxing Club Innisfail at the Sunstate Amateur Boxing League Incorporated State Titles at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club in Mackay.
Already one of North Queensland’s most accomplished amateur boxers, Simpson entered the tournament with 37 bouts to his name, seven state titles, six Golden Gloves crowns and the Australian middleweight title he won last year.
Competing in the senior 75-78kg division, Simpson opened his campaign against Jacob Moss, 28, from Cairns’ Pretty Top Team. Displaying superior ring craft across four two-minute rounds, Simpson secured a unanimous decision victory to progress to the final.
There he met Townsville Hawks Boxing Gym’s Takirau Mason, 23, a boxer he had shared countless sparring rounds with during his teenage years.
With mutual respect but no hesitation, both boxers went straight to work. As the contest unfolded, Simpson found his rhythm and controlled the exchanges, earning another unanimous decision and the super middleweight senior champion title belt.
Tatipata, 13, was making his state titles debut with just five previous bouts under his belt.
In his elimination bout in the 54-57kg school-age division, he faced Shane Sawkins from Kingdom Boxing Gym in Ingham. Despite giving away height, Tatipata dictated the pace and controlled the action over three 90-second rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory and a berth in the final.
Tatipata then faced familiar opponent Jesse Jennings from Dreams Boxing Club Townsville in the gold-medal bout. Both fighters produced a determined performance, but Jennings took the win. Despite the result, Tatipata was proud to leave with a silver medal while representing his club and community.
Coach Kevin Simpson and Elisha Barba praised both athletes for their efforts, which earned them selection in the Queensland team for the Australian Amateur Boxing Championships in Melbourne from 26-28 November.
“We are extremely proud of both boys for representing the club and the Innisfail community,” they said.
“We strive to build better citizens within our community and encourage leaders, not followers. All children need is a purpose and guidance and here at Simo’s Boxing Club, we provide a safe space for our next generation.”
The club is seeking sponsors, raffle prizes and donations to help cover travel costs for both boxers to Melbourne.
Simo’s Boxing Club will host its inaugural Amateur Fight Night on 14 November at The MA Connection, 2 Michael Street, Innisfail. For sponsorship, donations or class enquiries, visit the club’s Facebook page or contact 0461 594 065.