Stephen Tipungwuti wins a silver medal at national U17 boxing titles

TIWI boxer Stephen Tipungwuti has won a silver medal at the national under-17 boxing titles in Adelaide.

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Tipungwuti — a relative of Essendon star Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti — went all the way to the final in the 40kg under-15 division before losing a three-round points decision to Queenslander Austin Crossland.

“I took an eight count late in the fight and I reckon that’s what cost me,’’ 15-year-old Tipungwuti told the NT News.

“He had the reach on me but we were pretty evenly matched, I could have won it.’’

Tipungwuti is trained by Territorian James Swan, the former Olympian and dual Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.

“I think Stephen can go a long way in the game if he sticks to his training routine and learns from experiences like this,’’ Swan said. “His speed with his punches and footwork plus his height should stand him in good stead as he progresses through the weights.’’

Meanwhile, Territory boxers will test their skills against NSW fighters at Darwin’s Portuguese and Timorese Social Club on Saturday night.

Boxing NT boss Brett Schroeder and his committee have planned a 12-fight interstate card on a night they are calling “The Collision’’.

The meeting of men and women pugilists has a lot of interstate pride on the line.

“We’re looking at a big night of boxing, with 12 of our fighters going in against the visitors,’’ Schroeder told the NT News. “Jordan Ward from the Bush Baptist Boxing Club in the 85kg division and King Brown boxing’s Francis Florendso against Trent Williams will be fights local fans will want to see.’’

A lot of interest also surrounds local woman Erin Simonanto’s 90kg bout against the big-hitting Emma Greentree from the NSW Central Coast.

The doors at the Portuguese and Timorese Social Club open at 6.30pm on Saturday with the fight night set to commence at 7pm. Entry to “The Collision’’ will cost $25 for adults, $40 for families and $10 for fans under the age of 17.