The Challenge Cup, one of the most prestigious events in the Masters Boxing Australia (MBA) calendar, has grown into a symbol of state pride and fierce competition. Originally introduced in 2016 at the Queensland Masters Boxing State Titles as the Adidas Challenge Cup, the tournament was designed to encourage greater participation from states across Australia and bring all MBA events together for a nationwide celebration of boxing. What started as an incentive to unite boxers from different regions has since evolved into an annual festival, showcasing the best of masters boxing talent from around the country.

The Cup has since traveled to Perth, Western Australia, and Adelaide, South Australia, for subsequent masters boxing tournaments. The premise of the Cup is that it be awarded to the state with the most finals wins in the tournament. Given Queensland's role in hosting a significant number of masters boxing events, and with a strong turnout of New South Wales boxers, the Challenge Cup has grown into a hotly contested ‘Boxing Origin’ between the two powerhouse states.

In 2018, New South Wales made history by spectacularly winning the Cup and documenting its journey out of Queensland in celebration. In 2022, Queensland claimed the Cup by the narrowest of margins, securing victory by just one point. Scoring updates during tournaments have added an extra layer of excitement for both the boxers and the crowd, as each bout contributes to the overall state tally. By the time the final bell rings, the anticipation builds toward the announcement of the winning state, with the presentation ceremony now a tradition where boxers and coaches from the victorious side proudly take the ring to hoist the Cup.

The Challenge Cup's origins date back to Queensland's victory in 2016, where they continued their streak in 2017. However, New South Wales broke Queensland’s winning spell in 2018, becoming the first state to take the Cup home after defeating a hapless Queensland team with a stunning 13-0 victory. The tournament has since seen champions from various states, including South Australia in 2019, Western Australia in 2021, and Queensland once again in 2022 and 2023. The latest victory in 2024 saw New South Wales reclaiming the Cup.

Here is a list of the Challenge Cup winners:

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• 2016: Queensland

• 2017: Queensland

• 2018: New South Wales

• 2019: South Australia

• 2021: Western Australia

• 2022: Queensland

• 2023: Queensland

• 2024: New South Wales​

 

 

 

 

 

The Challenge Cup has become a fixture of Australian masters boxing, fostering state pride and fierce competition. It stands as a true celebration of the sport, with each event offering both a platform for seasoned boxers and a chance for states to demonstrate their dominance in a unique national festival.