Mitch Lederman

Meet Mitch… The first time I walked into a boxing gym, I was 15 and at the time, for me it was just about trying to stay fit for the offseason of AFL. Something to keep me moving, keep me sharp, and maybe give me an edge when footy came back around. But it didn’t take long to realise, that this sport was exactly what I needed. At an age where I was ready to run amuck and cause some mischief. Boxing, made me shift all my attention and spare time to learning the Sweet Science. Boxing quickly became something I loved doing. The intensity of the training, the new skills I learnt and the way it holds you completely accountable. How quick you improve, is how much you can prove to yourself that you want it. There’s nowhere to hide in a boxing ring, there’s no excuses and the only person slowing you down is facing you while your shadow sparring the mirror. My boxing career got off to a bad start. I lost my first two amateur fights and was devastated; I’d never been so disappointed in myself. All that hard work, all those nights spent training. I felt like I couldn’t have trained any harder for it. I considered throwing in the towel and finding a new sport. I had a few weeks off but then decided to give it one last attempt before I called it quits. I trained harder than ever and came out and won my next 10 fights, including a novice state title. One of the biggest advantages I’ve had in my career is the opportunity to train in different parts of the world. Each country, each gym, brings a different style, a different mindset, and a different level of intensity. I’ve trained in several gyms in several states around Australia, as well as in Canada, The Philippines, Japan, Korea, and trained Muay Thai in Thailand —each experience adding something new to my game. Different coaches, different sparring partners, different approaches to the sport. Those experiences shaped me just as much as the fights themselves. The Fight Experience With over 35 fights in my amateur career, I’ve had my fair share of time in the ring. Every fight brings something different. Different opponents, different styles, different challenges. There are wins that build confidence and momentum, and there are losses that force you to reflect and improve. Both are essential. Both are part of the journey. Over time, you start to understand what works, what doesn’t, and learn how to create your own style that is completely unique. The biggest highlight of my career so far has been competing at the IBA World Amateur Championships in Dubai 2025. Stepping on to a world stage with the eyes of the world watching is truly nerve racking, but also a chance to showcase all the years of dedication and hard work. Walking into a tournament like that is a different level entirely. You’re surrounded by some of the best amateur boxers in the world, all representing their countries, all chasing the same goal. Being in the same competition with the likes of athletes who have won multiple Olympic Gold medals, and multiple World Championships is something I’ll never forget. Thes best thing about it; I got to do it all with Coach Shane in my corner. Being over there with him and getting to have this experience was unreal. Boxing has given me discipline, resilience, and a mindset that carries into every part of life. It’s taught me how to handle pressure, how to stay composed when things aren’t going my way, and how to keep pushing forward when it would be easier to stop. The Journey Continues I’m still building. Still learning. Still chasing improvement every time I step into the gym. From a 15-year-old just trying to stay fit in the AFL off-season, to competing on the world stage, it’s been a journey I didn’t expect, but one I wouldn’t change. #phoenixboxingclub #LegacyInAction #phoenixboxingbutler #boxing #communitygym #clarkson #alkimos #butler #yanchep