Community
30 October, 2022
"Gazza’s Goss: Second Reef Rumble was a Knockout!"
THE Sweet Science of Boxing is a popular fitness and competitive sport right along our coastline.
People are slipping on their gloves from the PCYC in Innisfail, to the highly successful Babinda Boxing Club, all the way up to Buzza’s Gym at Cooya Beach.
The latter club is thanks to the efforts of former boxing champion and Cooya Beach local Danny Buzza, together with his wife Megan.
With three Queensland Heavyweight Titles and an Australian Super Cruiserweight Title under his belt, or should I say ‘On’ his belt, the former professional is now giving back to the sport that is his passion.
Since retiring from the ring, Danny has always wanted to host his own Boxing Tournament, especially in Douglas Shire, where his father was born.
This was actually achieved last year, so Danny together with his boxers and other Queensland clubs were back to do it all again last Saturday, with another ‘Reef Rumble’ at the Port Douglas Rugby Union Club.
Just like last year, it was a great night of amateur boxing with both male and female competitors ranging from juniors to masters. With a bar and canteen available, the Port Douglas Reef Rumble was a great family friendly event for everyone to enjoy, including corporate guests.
Danny moved to Cooya Beach 16 years ago, near to where his father was born in Mossman.
Since then, Danny has coached junior Rugby League and then started boxing training originally from the family garage, before setting up from a shop in Mossman.
With the help of wife Megan, they then moved into the Cooya Beach Complex, in Palm Street, about four years ago.
During this time, they have slowly built up the Gym, holding kid’s classes starting from 7-year-olds upwards. These are held by their son Lachy, who is also a two times Golden Gloves Champ.
Danny holds the adult classes and sparring sessions and wants to start running holiday and special afternoon programs for youths in the area who may not otherwise afford to go. Boxing is a disciplined sport, which tends to only bring positives to people in the way of self-esteem, teamwork and of course the great cardiovascular workout you get.
Buzz’s Gym would like to make a special mention to Josh Harris. He’s been busy this year competing in nine tournaments so far, including Golden Gloves & State Titles and coming away with silver medals both times.
Josh also picked up the Main Bout trophy at weekend, winning by way of a unanimous decision. Josh has been recently recognized by Sunstate Amateur Boxing League Inc. and has been selected for the Queensland Team to compete at the National Titles in Melbourne in December. Buzza’s Gym will be running raffles to assist Josh and the coaching team for their trip.
Like Josh, if you fancy giving boxing a go, you can email: buzzasgym@gmail.com
Meanwhile, I’m off to try some sparring, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
