fsna Hosts Groundbreaking Boxing Camp in mt isa

The First Nations Sport Academy (FNSA) proudly hosted an inspiring week-long boxing camp in Mt Isa, bringing together some of Queensland’s most promising young Indigenous athletes from across the state — including Mt Isa, Burketown, Weipa, Tully, Mareeba, Townsville, Richmond and Cloncurry.

Running from Sunday, September 21 to Friday, September 27, the camp offered participants six days of elite-level training and mentorship from some of Australia’s most respected boxing figures — Todd Kidd, Justin Hodges, Stephen Deller, and John Hawker.

Throughout the week, the young boxers honed their skills through technical sessions, sparring, and fitness drills, while also developing confidence, discipline, and community pride. The camp emphasised not only athletic excellence but also leadership and cultural connection, creating an environment that celebrated First Nations identity through sport.

The week culminated in an electrifying Fight Night on Friday, featuring the First Nations Boxing Championships — an unforgettable evening showcasing the talent, resilience, and determination of fighters from across Queensland. Families, coaches, and community members filled the venue, cheering on the athletes who represented their regions with heart and pride.

“This camp is about more than boxing, it’s about opportunity, mentorship, and connection,” said John Hawker.

“We’re proud to support programs like this that empower our young people and build pathways for them to shine both in and out of the ring.”

With continued support from the FNSA, the program aims to grow even further in the coming years, providing more First Nations youth access to professional training, competition, and community leadership opportunities through sport.

FNSA is proud to host and support initiatives like this, helping to shape the next generation of champions — in the ring and beyond.