WITHOUT a single prior fight under his belt, 16-year-old Harley Rayment made a statement in the boxing world last week at the 2025 Boxing Queensland Open International Golden Gloves tournament in Brisbane.
Facing just one opponent due to a late withdrawal, Harley entered a professional boxing ring for the very first time, immediately competing for the top spot in the Under 19s 70kg Category D Division.
His coach and father Kevin Rayment was nothing short of astounded by Harley’s performance.
“It was pretty impressive,” Kevin told News Of The Area.
“First fight, people just go out crazy a lot of the time, but I told him not to do that and he followed instructions.
“But when I told him to put his foot on the pedal, he did exactly what I asked.
“He didn’t stop punching. He left it all in the ring.”
Although Kevin enjoys playing the role of coach, it’s the father in him that bursts with pride.
“I’m always proud of all of our boxers but, I mean, when it’s your son, you are especially,” said Kevin.
The Golden Gloves tournament was held from 14-19 July with more than 750 competitors fighting in various categories and divisions, with matches determined by age, weight and experience level.
This inaugural event marked Australia’s first-ever international Golden Gloves tournament hosted at premier amateur boxing venue Eagles Sports Complex in Mansfield.
“Anyone can enter,” said Kevin.
“There were teams from India, Nauru, Fiji, New Zealand and various countries around the Pacific.”
Although ultimately winning on points, Harley’s victory didn’t come easy, with the teenager going down in the first round and needing to lock in to get the job done.
“The first round was a bit cagey,” Kevin said.
“I told him to feel his way in, don’t go all guns blazing.”
With the first round done and dusted, Harley had to dig deep.
“He went all out; the other guy was just on the ropes the whole time,” said Kevin.
“Round 3 he did exactly the same thing before his tank started to empty.”
For Harley, getting into the ring was nerve-wracking but an experience that he settled into quickly.
“Getting in there I was a bit nervous but once I threw that first punch, I was rock ‘n’ rolling,” said Harley.
Kevin believes his son has all the key attributes to go a long way in the sport.
“He’s got a massive heart. An extremely big ticker,” said Kevin
“He trains hard…and Harley’s got good stamina too.”
Kevin is suitably qualified to make that assessment, having been appointed by Boxing Australia NSW – alongside local coach Mick Eggins – as a Coaching and Development Coordinator for the Mid and Far North Coast regions.
He later represented Central Coast Boxing as a coach for Team NSW at the 2017 Elite Australian Championships.
Port Macquarie Boxing Club members Alex (Ragnar) James and Kai Wakley also competed at the Golden Gloves tournament.
Alex came away with a loss albeit going the distance, while Kai bowed out in the first round.
By Rikki WALLER
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