Mad Dog Boxing visited by Athol McQueen

experienced in that time.

He remembers his grandfather telling him of the night of the ‘great escape’ where he and a friend had tried to help a young Jewish family. e ending was a not a happy one for his grandfather and Will decides that he will complete the task the older Will was unable to nish.

It will mean being hunted by the and experiencing the full force of the German army.

Test of Wills is Deborah Goldie’s rst published novel and is based loosely on the life of her grandfather, who was part of a Hitler Youth Camp in World War Two.

She has worked with children for over 20 years and is a passionate advocate for teaching them important events and time in history.

You can order your copy from shawlinepublishing. com.au

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

It was our last article on local gym Mad Dog Boxing and the achievements of some of its boxers, that caught the eye of legendary Olympic boxing competitor Athol McQueen.

Before he knew what was happening, coach and owner of the gym, Scott Smith, received a call from Mr McQueen.

“He liked what we were doing and wanted to meet the fighters and visit the gym,” said Scott.

“I told a few people that I wanted to have there, not expecting new barbeque for the event as well.” such a family vibe.”

“Before I knew it, there were 40 people.

Mr McQueen and his wife Gloria shared their time and words of wisdom to the young boxers leaving behind a set of signed gloves from the Commonwealth Games and a picture of ‘Smokin’ Joe’ Frazier, gold medallist at the 1964 Olympic games. Also, the man who defeated Mr McQueen for the gold medal.

MAFS star Natasha Green (nee Spencer) was also there with her new husband, Garry Green.

“They gave us $1,000 towards a new (boxing) ring for the gym,” said Scott.

The gym continues to grow to a point that Scott joked he may need to take on another trainer.

“I think there is a renewed interest in boxing,” he said.

“We have our own Sunny McLean from Woodburn who just got named as part of the NSW State of Origin Boxing team, where he’ll be fighting the Queensland team in Brisbane on June 24.” many people as it was a Wednesday night.

Scott said anyone is welcome to come to the gym.

“A mate of mine brought around a brand

“They said the place looked amazing and had

On Tuesday nights, there is also a girls’ boxing class. You can contact him on 0410 538 744.