Sport
19 May, 2025
City’s own boxing cup event
FOR the first time, Freedom Boxing Gym and Evolve Boxing will host the Cairns Box Cup – the city’s only local tournament – giving fighters a chance to showcase their skills against opponents from across Queensland this June.
Fighters that are part of Boxing Queensland will get the opportunity to put their abilities to the test without having to travel to Brisbane to do so, as local gyms Freedom Boxing and Evolve Boxing were selected to co-host the Cairns Box Cup – a Queensland Boxing sanctioned event – coming on June 7.
The event, taking place at the Early Settler Stadium on court five, is set to host about 200 people and over 20 fighters. More details on the event are yet to be announced.
As the gyms prepare to host the event, so are some of its most talented fighters who are eager to get in the ring and bring more awareness to the growing sport in Cairns.
Amongst Freedom Gym boxers who will be going in the ring are Vincent Lacandula, who has just won the 2025 Queensland Novice Titles after defeating two south easterners in the 65kg category, 15-year-old Aidan Monk, who’s looking to get his first win of the year and newcomer Kade Stoddart, who aims to keep the momentum of his first win.
“I’ve never actually had a fight locally in Cairns, so everyone that has been part of my journey – my family and friends – can come watch for the first time,” Mr Lacandula said.
“Earlier this month I had my first fight of the year at the Queensland Novice Titles, I went for the 65kg division and I won both fights, so I performed pretty well,” he said.
“My goal is to take every fight one by one and try to win all of them.”
Newcomer Kade Stoddart said he was looking forward to having his second fight at home.
“I started boxing eight months ago with Freedom Boxing and had my first fight at the Queensland Novice Titles and it was mentally challenging being my first fight, lots of nerves involved but I won against a boxer from Brisbane,” he said.
“This is the first time the gym is hosting this event so I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
Freedom Boxing coach and founder Patrick Kelly said this was a great opportunity for fighters who didn’t have the resources to fight outside of Cairns.
“We’re very humbled by the opportunity of being selected and co hosting with Evolve Boxing,” he said.
“It’s fantastic not only for all our athletes but the athletes from all origins in the region to showcase their skills in front of their family and friends without the expense of travelling interstate.
“It’s the only show in Cairns this year, so it’s the only chance they have to test themselves.”
Evolve Boxing owner and manager Aaron Wellman said he was excited to be a part of the event.
He said there would be six to seven boxers competing from his gym.
