JYE Clark had one goal when he took up boxing three years ago – win a state title.
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The Warrnambool teenager achieved that long-held dream on Sunday, winning a 52-kilogram youth bout in Brunswick.
Judges deemed the Rodney Ryan-trained boxer a unanimous winner following three hard fought rounds against Wodonga opponent Callum Seinor.
They went toe-to-toe for six minutes.
Clark, 16, rated the fight among the most difficult of his fledgling career.
“It was probably the hardest one I have ever had,” he said.
“I even went up to him afterwards and said he was the hardest opponent I’d had.
“I thought it was going to be pretty relaxed but as soon as the bell went he came straight for me.
“I didn’t know what to do and had to come up with a new plan.”
Clark was forced to do a pre-fight run to lose 200 grams.
The Warrnambool College student, who ended up weighing in at 51.9kg, said it was the first time he’d had to lose weight on a fight day.
He was thrilled to overcome that challenge and post a victory.
“I thought it would be a split decision but it ended up being unanimous my way,” Clark said.
“It was amazing.
“I have wanted it (a state crown) for three years, ever since I started.”