A Unique Space for Indigenous Youth
In a basement gym beneath a church in Canberra, a group of young athletes have gathered for a different kind of worship. These First Nations kids have embraced boxing as a form of cultural expression and identity. From the age of 10 to 18, they move with precision, throwing jabs and crosses while the sound of gloves hitting pads echoes around the gym.
Thirteen-year-old Leeton is working on the bag, wearing gold-colored gloves and showing determination. He enjoys the “snap” sound his right hand makes when it connects. Leeton has come from Sydney to attend Cuz Boxing’s first Indigenous Development Camp. He’s joined by his older brother and sparring partner, Jonas, who is working on punch combinations with a coach on the other side of the gym.
Jonas, 15, says he grew up boxing with his siblings and that their father has always been involved in the sport with his brothers. His training has been consistent over the past few years, and it shows as his blue gloves blur with each strike.
The Challenges of the Camp
The camp is designed to prepare these athletes for elite boxing programs at the state or national level. It has been challenging, with early mornings at the Murrumbidgee River and rigorous running. However, the participants have pushed through.
David Pocock, former Wallabies captain and independent ACT senator, led them through his “Granimals” workout at the river. Leeton recalls the experience, saying, “It wasn’t that bad, it was only like 5 degrees.”
Joe Hedger, founder of Cuz Boxing and a Bundjalung man, emphasizes that the camp focuses on building mental strength alongside physical conditioning. The first exercise at the camp was public speaking rather than ringcraft, highlighting the importance of communication skills.
Ngunnawal Elder Auntie Violet Sheridan and Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead have mentored the group. Joe explains that the goal is to help these young people gain confidence and self-belief. He notes that values such as respect, discipline, and control are especially important for many Aboriginal youth.
Boxing, Identity, and Culture
There is a long history of Indigenous boxing spanning the last century, which is evident in the Cuz Boxing gym. Joe explains that the camp aims to bring these athletes together so they can connect with their culture and understand the significance of their communities.
Promotional posters from famous fights line the walls of the gym, along with portraits of First Nations professionals like Lional Rose and Joe’s father, Alan Hedger. Joe’s son, Miles Hedger, continues the family tradition as a competitive fighter who trains at the gym.
As a NSW King of the Ring champion, 19-year-old Miles has earned his “big brother” status at the camp. He believes many Indigenous kids feel disconnected, whether from each other, their culture, or their community. The theme of the camp is to build a sense of community and improve both inside and outside the ring.
Building Skills and Confidence
As the noise of glove and pad work fades, the session moves to the ring, but not for sparring or fighting. Instead, the kids engage in one-on-one agility drills aimed at tapping an opponent on the knee or shoulder. They take turns competing, rotating in and out of the ring after three taps.
Proud young Bundjalung man Maleek faces off against Latoya, one of his three younger sisters who have also attended the camp. Laughter and cheers erupt as Latoya, five years younger and 30 centimetres shorter than 15-year-old Maleek, taps him on the knee, sending him out of the ring.
Maleek says the camp has been hard work, but he has learned a lot, especially about his right hook. He mentions that he left football for boxing because he feels it offers more confidence, strength, and fitness. “It just feels so good,” he adds.
