Laphya boxes a knockout performance
Torres News, Sport | By Alf Wilson
Much improved middleweight boxer Laphya Reuben-Kawane won last Saturday night’s professional bout in style by knockout.
The 27-year-old Laphya beat opponent Brayden Rawlins on one of three pro bouts and 12 amateur contests during the Battle of the Port tournament at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
Laphya delivered a barrage of punches to Rawlins in the first round, which resulted in Rawlins corner threw the towel.
It was the fourth pro fight for Laphya, who has family from Badu, Waiben, Saibai, Cairns and Townsville.
Laphya made his pro debut last June and lost his other three bouts before this Townsville victory.
Respected Townsville trainer Gonzo Hooper told the Torres News Laphya had improved in leaps and bounds.
“He has one of the best trainers in the sport in Stephen Deller, who runs Fortitude Valley Gym in Brisbane,” Gonzo said.
Speaking to the Torres News after his win, Laphya said Rawlins landed a heavy punch “square on his nose” in the first exchange of the fight.
“But I was born and raised in Townsville and wasn’t going to lose there,” he said.
“After taking that punch, I landed some big combinations and got him with both fists.
“It felt unreal to win before Leah has had eight pro bouts for an impressive five wins, two losses and a draw.
“My next scheduled bout will be in Brisbane during May and maybe another at Townsville the following month,” Leah said.
The gala night in Townsville was organised and promoted by Knuckles Club supremo Matty Rooney.
Leah said she and Laphya enjoyed huge support from a large number of family and friends living on various Torres Strait islands.
“We get a lot of contacts through social media,” she said.
In the other two pro bouts Cody “The Outlaw” Renouf beat Palm Island boxer Brayden “bull shark” Nallajar and Noah “Homicide” Hooper defeated Samuel ‘The Undertaker’ Shearsmith.
“It was a top night and we had a packed house,” Matty said.
