Caloundra boxer, Alex Shaw, prepares for the World Amateur Champs
By Kirra Livingstone
HINTERLAND Boxing Club’s Alex Shaw has qualified for the World Amateur Boxing Championships and will represent Australia in the super heavyweight division in Liverpool this September.
The 23-year-old, who took up boxing four years ago to protect his younger brothers, is now chasing Olympic glory.
Originally from Sydney, Shaw relocated to the Sunshine Coast about a year ago and was unsure whether to continue with the sport. But after linking up with coach Steve Pitt, he recommitted to boxing and set his sights on a professional career.
“Between the Worlds in September and the Commonwealth Games trials, I might try to go pro,” he said. “We will just see what happens, but we probably won’t go pro until the 2028 Olympics held in Los Angeles.
“Ever since I started boxing, I always wanted to be an Olympian, so I’m chasing that Olympic gold medal.”
Shaw impressed selectors at the World Championship trials, where his division featured five competitors. He won two bouts on points and one by knockout, underlining his strength and technical ability.
“Worlds will be a massive step up in competition, but I need this international exposure to really improve,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any amateurs in Australia who could beat me, and I’m only growing into this class weight.
“I’m only going to be more dangerous, so I’m excited to go over there.”
Shaw trains twice a day, six days a week, maintaining a gruelling regime focused on strength and skill development.
Alex’s amateur fight record is 12 wins (two by KO), and two losses.