Benalla boxer Paul Christie has earned himself a national title after winning the final at the Australian Amateur Boxing Championships on Saturday night.
Christie became the Australian Super Middleweight Champion for the Australian Amateur Boxing League.
It marks another milestone in his rapid boxing rise, after the 35-year-old took home the state title in the super middleweight class in September.
He competed at the South Eastern Entertainment Centre at Ferntree Gully, where he beat out Jason Sue in the Master Blasters competition to take home the state title.
Christie, originally from Broken Hill, moved to Benalla four years ago and joined up at LG Boxing through his wife, who had brought their kids in for the gyms “come and try” day.
Christie has gone on to compete in a handful of fights this year before clinching his two titles.
“It’s a bit unexpected,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity, I was a bit of an underdog going in, it was good to get the chance and I’m feeling honoured to come away with the title.”
When he’s not boxing, Christie has his hands full working across three farms in Benalla and Broken Hill.
He took up the sport after moving to Benalla four years ago, and after suffering a second serious knee injury, Christie decided he would give boxing a crack.
Christie is trained by Benalla local Benny Wapling at Len Griffiths’ LG Boxing, where a number of talented local boxers hone their craft.
“It’s a good environment down there and everyone is welcome,” Christie said.
“I’ve been to some gyms where people will look you up and down, it’s an inclusive environment there and there’s something in it for everyone.”
After his knee injury, Christie said boxing had given him more desire and spirit, something which has extended into other aspects of his life.
“It’s about finding that balance between family, friends and your sport or hobby, whatever it may be, boxing has given me a healthy body and healthy mind and more positive outlook on life,” he said.
“To be able to get a title just shows we’re all doing something right.”
Ensign photographer Brenden Paddock caught Christie in his element at LG Boxing this week.