Young local boxer Tobi O’Neil almost took home the gold medal in the Australian Club Championships, which took place recently at the Magic Millions Stadium in Adelaide.

Tobi was the runner up in the 57kg Junior Novice. With a mere one-point difference on the board, Tobi fought hard and won a hefty silver medal and his boxing Coach Barry “Stumpy” Nilsson had high hopes that next year he will get the gold.

“It’s a great achievement,” Mr Nilsson said. Tobi is a student at Mount Gambier’s Team Nilsson Fitness and Boxing, the place where State Champions are trained. The 14-year-old boxer is one not to be messed with in the ring.

He faced up against 16-year-olds and has now stepped up from Novice to Intermediate since completing five fights. There were 120 boxers per day and Tobi fought twice over the three-day tournament. “It was a big step up from State,” Tobi said.

The Australian Club Championships are open to all young boxers, with Novice, Intermediate and Open divisions. Preparation for the tournament was not for the faint of heart.

Tobi trained every day, morning and night and travelled with Mr Nilsson to other gyms to spar. Tobi is a dedicated student and continues to train every day at Team Nilsson Fitness and Boxing.

Mr Nilsson said it was an amazing tournament and a full-on weekend and said he was proud of Tobi’s efforts. “He always gives 110%, whether it’s at the gym or in the ring,” he said. Tobi has found the sport he loves and said he is keen for what his future holds with boxing.