Local amateur boxers at Tommy’s Backyard Boxing Gym: Ace Hancock, Xaiver Ward, Linkin Anderson, Oliver Hayes, Riley Pizzi, Leon Michel and Lane Jones. Absent: Shellie McKiernan and Orin McDermott.

The much-anticipated ‘Boxing In Parkes’ fight night presented by Mayhem Fight Se­ries is set to take place tomorrow night, Sat­urday 22 March at the Parkes Leagues Club.

This event is an Amateur boxing showcase, which will feature many local fighters from Parkes and the surrounding area. Mayhem Fight Series have previously hosted hugely successful fight nights in Parkes, and this weekend’s event will be no exception, so don’t miss out – grab some tickets or book a table now.

Ace Hancock

Ace Hancock from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Jake Doyle from Gulgong Boxing Club. Ace is new to the sport of boxing and at just 14 years of age he just made the cut, as that is the minimum age to start competing. After only five weeks of training Ace had his first fight in Dubbo, which ended with a split decision and he lost by only one point. He is confident coming into his second fight, saying that losing his first fight “was good” because it has given him the motivation to “step it up”.

Ollie Hayes

Olliver Hayes from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Jordan Smart from Fighting Arts Belmont. Sixteen year old Oliver is fighting a rematch against an oppo­nent from Orange that he beat in their previ­ous encounter. That fight was a split deci­sion and was a close fight, Ollie said: “It’s a good match-up”. This will be Ollie’s first fight this year but he had 10 fights last year and two the year before, for nine wins and three loses. Ollie has been working on step­ping up the pace since his last fight against Jordan.

Linkin Anderson

Linkin Anderson from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Lucas Mil­lemaggi from Narrandera Boxing. Linkin is fresh off a fight last week in Sydney and is “feeling really confident” in the lead up to his fight against Lucas in Parkes. Linkin has been working on a lot of footwork and power punches on the bag, as well as doing a lot of sparring over at Orange, claiming he is the fittest he’s ever felt.

Shellie McKiernan

One of the women stepping in the ring this Saturday night is Shellie who has been box­ing for approximately three years. Shellie likes the discipline and physical conditioning that she gets from boxing, claiming: “Box­ing has helped me in my personal life, as well as allowing me to achieve a physical challenge. I also enjoy the camaraderie of Tommy’s Backyard Boxing.”

The doors open at 4pm and fights start at 5pm. For VIP tables and sponsor opportuni­ties call John on 0411 648 890. There will be tickets available for purchase on the night at the door, but to avoid any disappoint­ment and to be guaranteed a seat, please purchase your tickets beforehand. Tickets available through 123Tix at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/47343/mayhem-fight-series-presents-boxing-in-parkes

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-in-parkes

Pictured in the black headgear is Riley Pizzi, sparring one of his training partners.