FOLLOWING THE success of the War On The Coast boxing tournament at the Cudgen Leagues Club earlier this year, the bouts are back for another round with War On The Coast 2 taking place on Saturday, April 22.
The venue is again set for the Cudgen Leagues Club with 11 fights scheduled including the return of Murwillumbah local Jason Leuken and four professional fights.
Kingscliff Boxing Stables trainer Nick Midgley said the event was “not to be missed” with the main event fight between rising star Josh Frederiksen of Kingscliff again Timani Taupa from Logan.
The Weekly caught up with Jason (pictured below) to ask him a few questions about his return to the Tweed and recently rediscovered passion for boxing.
Jason said he grew up in Murwillumbah, playing rugby league for the Murwillumbah Colts and started amateur boxing where he fought for the Murwillumbah Boxing Club, which Stuart Stone was his trainer/mentor.
“I left Murwillumbah and moved to Sydney for work, where I awaited my enlistment date to the Army in June 2004,” he said.
“From there I moved to Darwin where I spent eight-and-a-half years, meeting my wife and growing our family with three beautiful kids.
“In 2013, we relocated to Brisbane and in 2014 I recommenced boxing, where I turned professional and since then have had four professional fights for four wins.”
Two of Jason’s fights were for the Qld Middleweight Title which he now holds.
Jason said his fight on Saturday night means he will be a step closer to an Australian Title.
“The fight on Saturday night means a lot to me, as do all fights, as by winning it gets me closer to competing for the Australian title,” he said.
“Also having the opportunity to be fighting back home where it all began for me is extremely special.”
Jason also shared some of his passion for boxing, which he said can develop you as a person.
“I have learnt a lot from boxing, however the biggest lessons I have learned have all involved aspects outside the ring,” he said.
“It develops you as a person in regards to being respectful and polite, not to be a bully or a thug.
“In all the gyms I have trained, they have allen-forced those rules and I guess that’s what keeps me going back.
“I would encourage others, especially parents with their children, to go to a local gym and have a look at what goes on in the gym.
“It is a great place to get fit, build up self-confidence and instil discipline, whilst enjoying yourself.
“You have Nick at Kingscliff and Stu in Murwillumbah both running great training for all.”
Tickets sold at the doors which open at 6.30pm and tickets are $50 for general admission or $70 for seated. You can phone Nick on 0456 879 258 for more information and group bookings.
