WITH growing boxing skills and a promising record in the ring, Ariki Cliffe is being backed to pursue higher level opportunities.

Rebels Boxing Club manager and trainer Robbie Sbeghen is hoping to secure Ariki a place in the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) program after he won his second Australian Golden Gloves title.

Ariki beat Dominik Michalak 4-2 in the semi-final before a 6-0 points success over Tyreece Hancy in the Australian junior heavyweight (86kg) division at Mansfield.

“I’m happy with that,” Ariki said, having just turned 17.

“I felt a lot more prepared coming into it.”

Ariki is the third fighter from the Walloon-based Rebels Boxing Club to win two or more Golden Gloves titles.

Ariki won his first gold medal in the junior heavyweight division at last year’s tournament.

He joins major club Golden Glove titleholders Chris Bourke (2016, 2018 and 2019) and Jesse Jenner (2017 and 2018).

Other previous club winners are Kayne Tate (2018), Chase Townsend (2016), and 2017 winners Mick Chong and Salesi Kaitu.

Ariki started in Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai and jujitsu before focusing on boxing with Robbie at his Walloon base.

“I feel like I’ve been training a lot harder,” Ariki said.

“Getting fitter, leaner, more quicker.”

The Ipswich State High School year 12 student trains four or five days a week.

Photo: DAVID LEMS

Ariki, an orthodox boxer, was born and raised in Australia with Cook Islander heritage.

The tattoo on his right arm signifies his highly valued family culture.

Having worked with Ariki for almost two years, his trainer has been impressed with his progression in the sport.

“In the last six tournament fights he’s had, Ariki hasn’t lost a round,” Robbie said.

“I’m just hoping that the QAS actually take him on board.”

Robbie (pictured with Ariki} said his rising star would also benefit from attending an Australian Institute of Sport elite training camp in Brisbane, looking to gain future national team opportunities.

“I see him at 86 kilos winning the Australian Youth titles next year,” Robbie said.

“He’s strong, beautiful body punching and he’s a thinker. He doesn’t waste his punches and throw them anywhere.”

Ariki hopes to join the air force after graduating at school.

He will join other Rebels club boxers in remaining 2024 competitions, including a Torres Strait Islander tournament, before a PCYC event and All Stars bout.

“Next year, we’re going to have at least 10 fights on his book so that way he qualifies to go to the Australian titles,” Robbie said.

Robbie is keen to see Ariki receive more exposure before he joins the senior ranks in two years.

As Ariki continues his steady progress, he shared what he enjoys most.

“I just like training. I like winning,” he said, appreciating Robbie’s support.

“He takes us everywhere on trips, always putting our names in all the events.

“Checking up on us, making sure we are coming in and getting stuff done.”