Pittsworth is a town with a proud sporting tradition, whether it’s the deeds of World champion runner Arthur Postle in the early 1900s or rugby league International Mark Hohn the Darling Downs town has always punched above its weight.
Come September 10 another proud chapter will be written in the history books – the Pittsworth Town Hall will host a professional boxing title fight for the very first time.
In one corner – Jackson Griffiths, the local boy from Pittworth, educated at Pittsworth State High, a member of the Pittsworth Danes – aka The Pride of Pittsworth.
The promoter of this event – Brendon Smith, another man who’s roots in Pittsworth run deep. His parent still reside in Pittsworth, he too is a former Pittsworth Dane and from humble beginnings he’s traveled the World with the sport of boxing.
It doesn’t get much more ‘Pittsworth’ than Smith and Griffiths, now they’ll combine to create history in the town they proudly call home.
“Everytime James O’Shea ring announces me as the ‘fighting pride of Pittsworth’ it sends a chill down my spine. I proudly represent Pittsworth and to be a part of a history making event like this in my home town is a dream come true. This one is for the people of Pittsworth.” Jackson Griffiths said.
“This one will be special, I’m trained out of Smithy’s TGW Country gym here in Pittsworth by two local legends Brad Smith and Gary Ruhle.
“To fight for a Queensland title in my hometown is something I’ll never forget but at the same time I’ve got a job to do so when it comes time to fight it’s all business and I can’t let emotion take over. This is a really tough fight and I need to be at my best but there is no doubt that fighting at home will give me a huge lift.”
“I know my opponent well, Aaron Stahl is a really good fighter, this is a re-match, I won the first one by decision but obviously Aaron thinks he can reverse the result and obviously I think I can repeat the dose.
The Promotion – TGW & Smithy Bring the Big Fights 31 will not only be the first title fight held in Pittsworth but the first professional boxing action in the town in 27 years.
“April 21, 1995 I promoted a show in Pittsworth,” Brendon Smith said.
“On that night we had Mick Shaw, Mick Thompson and Gary Ruhle all fight pro on the card and it was a night to remember.
“Mick Shaw had a great win over the highly regarded Paul Hiles, Mick Thomspson beat Jimmy Anderson and Pittsworth boy Gary Ruhle defeated Jacko Oliver.
“Now 27 years later we are coming back and Pittsworth’s new star Stoneleigh Jackson Griffiths has the biggest opportunity of his career fighting for a Queensland title.
“Jackson has earned this shot, he’s 5-0 as a pro and improving all the time.
“Both Jackson and I are proud to be from Pittsworth so this one is special for both us, not only that, I think Pittsworth deserves an event like this.
“I hope the event has a great spin off for the business community in Pittsworth, there is no doubt an event of this calibre will bring people to PIttsworth.
“It’s a great town and community and those who come to the show from out of town will understand why we love the place.
“We packed the Hall in 1995 and I hope we do the same in September.”
