Exuberant Romsey youngster Billy Jarvis is looking forward to his 12th birthday on July 6, especially as a day later he flies to Brisbane to represent Victoria in the 2026 Australian Schools Boxing Championships.
Last December the Express outlined how boxing has been a life-changer for Billy, after he successfully made his amateur boxing debut in Canberra.
Proud mum Amber explained how boxing has given Billy confidence, purpose, structure and a place to thrive while navigating multiple diagnostic challenges.
What was confronting the intellectually brilliant boy only fully came to light some 12 months ago.
“Our family owes so much to House of Stoush Boxing Academy proprietor/head trainer Bryce Poorter in Wallan, as boxing has turned out to be a beneficial sport for Billy in more ways than one,” Amber explained.
The Victorian schools’ team comprises 42 young boxers — both male and female — and 10 train at the House of Stoush.
“I can’t wait to get on the plane with the team and fly to Brisbane,” Billy said after a training session on Saturday.
He is counting down every day until July 7, with the championships taking place over four days at the Eagles Sports Complex, in the Brisbane suburb of Mansfield.
Billy will be boxing in the Under 13 division, for boys 32kg and under.
Isabella Cassar (U15 girls), Monique Rowe and two-times national champion Ivy Dawson are the three Poorter-trained females in the team.
Boxing is a sport that demands authenticity, where discipline, composure and resilience are tested openly under pressure.
Young athletes often dedicate countless hours to training, sacrifice and personal growth for opportunities such as this.
Billy also has his sights set on competing in the Golden Gloves competition later in the year.
“Our family would like to sincerely thank all those individuals and businesses who have supported us through raffle donations and vouchers to help meet travel, accommodation and competition expenses,” Amber said.
“Billy is very proud to be representing Romsey at this level on the national stage.”