Two of the fighters from Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing in Parkes, Riley Pizzi (left) and Xavier Ward (right).
Mayhem Fight Series is hosting Boxing In Parkes on Saturday 22 March at the Parkes Leagues Club. This amateur boxing event which will feature many local fighters from Parkes and the surrounding area.
The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix caught up with Tommy, and a couple of the fighters preparing for the upcoming fight night, at Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing Gym.
For Tommy Ward it is just another fight night, and with 40 years in the game, he expects the same work rate week in week out from his fighters. “I teach them how fit they have to be, how they have to perform and where their skill set is,” said Tommy.
“They have all been working hard, but it’s not about winning or losing, it is about competing at your best and walking out of the ring happy.”
Xavier Ward vs Brodie Brown
Fourteen year old Xavier Ward, training under Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing, will face off against Brodie Brown from Orange.
Xavier is actually Tommy Ward’s grandson and has been hitting the bag since he was just six years old. He has been patiently waiting to reach 14, which is the age you need to be to start fighting competitively.
Xavier has fought two exhibition matches before, but this will be his first real fight, and he says: “I am feeling confident, but also nervous to fight in front of my home crowd.” In the lead up to the fight Xavier has been working on a bit of fitness but mostly footwork.
Riley Pizzi vs Noah Savage
Fifteen year old Riley Pizzi, training under Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing has been matched up against 17 year old Noah Savage from Steel City Boxing, Newcastle.
This is a big fight for Riley who is fighting on the night for the NSW Junior Middleweight title against the current belt holder, Noah Savage.
Riley started boxing training in early 2023 and stepped into the ring for his first fight in September 2023. He has definitely progressed rapidly in the sport, recently attending the NSW League Boxing Amateur Boxing Titles held in Gosford in November 2024, where Riley came second and walked away with a silver medal.
At training in the lead up to the title fight, Riley has been working on fitness, throwing combos and trying to read the opponent. His strengths in the ring are his power and his work rate.
We asked Riley what it is like to compete as an individual sportsman but be able to train in the team environment at Tommy’s Gym, and he said “It’s a good environment and so welcoming, Tommy gives you opportunities and makes time for you. You’re in the ring by yourself but you’re a team outside of the ring, helping each other train.”
Don’t miss out on the action of Boxing in Parkes. Doors open at 4pm and the first fight is scheduled for 5pm, book your tickets now at: www.123tix.com.au/events/47343/mayhem-fight-series-presents-boxing-inparkes
Pictured in the black headgear is Riley Pizzi, sparring one of his training partners.