Randy holds the champion back

Warwick's Randy Gonzalez went toe-to-toe with the South East Queensland champion last weekend, resulting in an unexpected draw.

By ALENA HIGGINS

A “MATURE” and “polished” performance saw a young Warwick boxer stave off an expected win by his more experienced opponent at Rockhampton earlier this month.
Randy Gonzalez drew in his bout against South East Queensland champion Nathan Baira at Rockhampton PCYC on 9 August, stunning his family and head trainers, Peter Liesegang and Rod Parry.
Mr Liesegang, an ex-boxer himself, said he was “as proud as punch” at the 15-year-old’s “classy” performance, going blow-for-blow over three rounds.
“He fought so well,” Mr Liesegang said.
“(His opponent) had 16 fights under his belt and was South East Queensland champion – we thought it would just be a stepping stone for him.
“We knew this boy was good but he just showed maturity and he had a polished performance – I am so happy with him.
“Everything we tried to drive into him on the weekend he did,” Mr Liesegang said.
It was the Warwick High School student’s fourth fight after taking up the sport less than two years ago – but the amateur boxer has already set his sights on making it big.
“He is looking long term – he wants it bad – he loves what he does and even hopes to become a pro one day.
“Some stand out in the crowd and I think he is going to be one of them,” he said.