By Yarin Barrett
MOOLOOLAH local Jarod Keeble has won boxing gold at the World Kickboxing Championships in England last month.
Jarod, 17, took out the world title in the Amateur Boxing (Ring Sports) 16-17 years male 73.1-76.0kg category.
The former Beerwah High School student defeated fellow Australian Ryan Polglaise in the final, after overcoming home favourite Matthew Green in the semi-final.
Jarod trains out of the Mooloolah Valley Boxing club.
Jarod’s father and coach, Robbie Keeble said he was impressed with his son’s performances.
“I was proud of him,” he said.
Robbie travelled to the United Kingdom as part of the Australian team and was chosen as captain to lead the group.
“It’s a big honour, voted by the coaching staff,” he said.
Mr Keeble said the trip to England was a good experience.
“The whole team held themselves pretty well, done themselves proud,” he said.
Mr Keeble said he was impressed how Jarod overcame jet lag and the different climate to have success.
“A big tournament on the world stage there is a lot of pressure,” he said.
“The big flight drained him, but he held himself together and came through in the end.”
Mr Keeble said Jarod rarely shows his emotions.
“Winning gold was a big relief, a big thing for him,” he said.
It was only the second time Jarod has fought overseas after a trip to New Zealand last year.
Mr Keeble said Jarod is training hard for one more competition before a well earnt rest.
“He’s got the Australian titles in another four weeks down the Gold Coast,” he said.
Mr Keeble said after winning the last two years at light middleweight, Jarod will be stepping up to middleweight for this year’s competition.
“I think he’ll take the middleweight division out,” he said.
“He’s fought a few of the best boys in Australia already this year and beaten them.”
Mr Keeble said his son is still growing and there is no limit as to what weight class he should compete in.
“Just let the body grow, it needs nutrition,” he said.
Mr Keeble said the whole experience would not have been possible without the help of local sponsors that support the team.
The WKA offers over 30 different disciplines that athletes can compete in, ranging from light contact MMA, through to amateur boxing and full contact kickboxing.
The Australian Amateur Boxing League (AABLI) National Titles will be held at the Croatian Sports Centre, Carrara, from November 20-22.
