​September 2023

 

In 2023 MBA took its first steps into the international masters boxing arena. An invited team of experienced masters boxers from Australia and New Zealand travelled to Rietburg Germany to participate in the European Masters Cup tournament.

 

Team Oceania:

• Riccardo Monteleone

• Michael Battaglia

• Luke Kearney

• Jeff Stutt 

• Gavin Stuart

• Jack Boote (Coach)

 

Riccardo Monteleone would defend his WBF World Championship Cruiserweight title, while Michael Battaglia, Jeff Stutt, and Luke Kearney were accepted by the WBF to fight for a WBF World Championship. Gavin Stuart was entered to compete in the European Masters Cup tournament.

 

After three gruelling long haul flights, the team arrived at the German village township of Rietburg and the Cultura Theatre, an impressive boxing-in-the-round venue. Following a day of combatting jet lag, the team donned their striking Oceania kit and headed to the venue for the weigh-in. Michael Battaglia's opponent was over the acceptable weight range and was instructed to shed weight in the next 24 hours. Team Captain Jack Boote, taking no chances, was at the venue early the next day to oversee the weigh-in. But there was no need for concern. Michael gave a blistering performance to walk away with the WBF World Title. Gavin Stuart had a dominant win over his opponent. Riccardo, Jeff, and Luke each put in hard fought rounds against tough opponents and were narrowly beaten. All in all the Oceania team left its mark and made a lasting impression on our first foray into international competition, in the process furthering the interest in Australian masters boxing amongst Europe's masters boxing communities, some of whom have already indicated their intentions to register for 2024's Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast.

 

A terrific day of 'downtime' was had following the boxing, with the team gathering at a local watering hole, where the following conversation was overheard regarding how each boxer prepares for a fight:

 

Riccardo: "I add strength and conditioning. No missed sessions. No alcohol."

Luke: "I had 2 beers on 31 December 2022."

Mike: "I just want to win so bad."

Jack: "I love beer."

 

And much beer was consumed that day.