Sport
17 May, 2026
Nate’s boxing his way up
UP-and-coming boxer Nate Martenelli reached the finals at this year’s NQ Games in Mackay against some of the state’s hottest prospects.
Nate fought in the under-17 male 63kg weight division, which also served as a state title event.
He was joined by three other boxers from Evolve Boxing and Fitness who are also competing.
The boxing events ran from 30 April through to 3 May at Goose’s Sports and Recreational Club.
With Nate going down in his first fight, his coach Aaron Wellmann said he “fought extremely well against a bigger stronger kid”.
“He boxed smart, but missed a few opportunities for second attacks to edge in front, regardless I’m super proud of his efforts,” he said.
Nate fought in the semis- finals to qualify for the finals on Saturday which he unfortunately lost.
“I will go back to training and focus on capitalising on those second phase attacks,” Nate said.
“I knew I was fit and I knew how much hard work I put in leading up to this but somehow my legs were gassed after the first round.
“I’m not going to spend time feeling sorry for myself I know what I need to work on.”
The competition was massive with up to 71 bouts over the four-day tournament. The 2026 Boxing Competition runs with the under-19 state titles at North Mackay.
The event was open to all age groups, including under-11, under-13, under-15, junior, youth, elite and masters, with matches adhering to world boxing divisions.
