Doveton Boxing Club sensation Zealand Rakei continues to go from strength-to-strength.
And the teenage boxing star’s latest win recently – this time in a weight class above – is just another reminder of her unwavering talent.
After Zealand won the Victorian 75 kilogram women’s title through a first round stoppage earlier in the month, the Doveton product was given the chance in late-October on the Gold Coast to represent her state contesting for an Australian title.
Stepping up to a heavier class against bigger opponents with the 75 kilogram weight class withdrawn, Zealand was not fussed one bit and was eager to bring home the gold.
Zealand drew the Queensland 80 kilogram champion straight into the final, and in the last fight of the evening, put on an absolute show.
Coming in as the underdog of the fight, Zealand jumped straight out of the corner on the bell to indicate to her eager opponent she was here not to just compete, but to more importantly, win. Landing plenty of power shots, one after the other, Zealand got on top, causing a standing eight-count on her opponent in the first round to take the points and win the round.
With plenty of aggression from both boxers, and the skill heating up the bout, both girls were clearly hungry for the gold, but the Queenslander bounced back, snaring the second round points and setting up a grand finish.
Both the Victorian and Queensland boxing teams were in full voice, standing on their feet chanting for their respective states in a tense final round, in an entertaining finish with a gold medal on the line.
Fighting her heart out for her club, her community, and her family after a recent family tragedy, Zealand snared the gold medal, in a tremendous achievement for the Doveton community. Stepping out of her weight class against a tough Queensland opponent, Zealand stepped up exactly when she needed to.
This terrific triumph was the first national title for the Doveton Boxing Club, and on return to the club, Zealand have her medal to her coach and the club in a gesture that shows the quality of the rising athlete. The gold medal now hangs proudly in the foyer of the gym.
