The 16-year-old won his age group in the junior 70kg division, fighting experienced opponents most of whom have been in a competitive bouts before this tournament. 

“The first fight was a bit of brawl with a little bit of skill; the final was really close,” he said. 

McDougall’s opponent had height and experience on his side but the local youngster was declared victor in a split decision. 

His opponent in the final was one of Queensland’s strongest fighters in the same age division with a record of three out of three (including two by stoppages).

“He liked his reach advantage and moved around a lot, I had to choose my times to chase him,” he said.  

McDougall fights out of Paterson Boxing Gym under the careful eye of coach Greg Tindall but started his training at the Singleton PCYC supported by Doug Spencer and Tony Lowther. 

The Singleton teenager is happy with the success and hopes it’s the start of a career in boxing. 

He has dreams of representing Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Boxing wasn’t McDougall’s first sport though with rugby league being the main game for him until he decided that he had more opportunities in boxing. 

He was introduced to the sweet science in the off-season three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

If McDougall’s not doing specific boxing training, he’s at the gym undertaking cardio and core strength to prepare himself for the rigours of the sport.