Littlefield’s claim three interstate boxing titles for Orange with interest in the ‘Sweet Science’ on the up

Orange-based fight team Littlefield’s Boxing now boasts three interstate title holders and ambitions are high for future success from locals in the sport.

Battle in the Bush 9, held in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Orange Showgrounds on February 17, saw Dave Littlefield, 18-year-old son Finn Littlefield, and experienced teammate Elodie Minhinick all triumph over the visiting champions.

“It was a pretty special night for us, said Dave, who now holds a Masters Junior Welterweight Interstate Title belt.

“I went down a weight division for this one, so that was a bit of a challenge in itself —  just getting the weight down and staying healthy at that weight.

“But to take home three titles in one night — it's very unusual and something that we’ll remember for a long time.” 

For ambitious young fighter, Finn, the win in Orange was rewarding, but not everything.

“I don't really care about the wins or losses at this stage, I just want to get experience. My goal for this year was just to get as many fights as I can,” Finn said, before casually adding that he also wouldn’t mind a shot at an Australian title.

“Another goal would be the Australian title as well. To get that this year would be awesome,” he said.

And he might just get a chance if he keeps winning, Dave said, hinting that they might even be able to hold a championship fight here in Orange later in the year.

“He's heading in that direction, definitely. He’s started off with a great win against a very experienced boxer from Tasmania,” Dave said.

For Elodie Minhinick, claiming a win in Orange and the Female Bantamweight Interstate Title was particularly poignant as Battle in the Bush 9 was her final fight in the ring.

“She's officially retired and she just beat the current Australian champion in an Interstate Title fight, so it doesn't get any better than that to finish off at the elite level,” Dave said.

Elodie took up boxing as a hobby in 2015 and quickly fell in love with the sport.

But now with a young child and 21 fights to her name, she decided it was time to step back from the ring.

“I wanted to leave on a high and that's happened…so now I'm going to take a long break and see what's next,” Elodie said.

“It's been a good journey, I never thought I would l achieve all this, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

Littlefiled’s Boxing may have lost a champion in Elodie, but Dave said their team only gets stronger, with boxing enjoying somewhat of a renaissance across Country NSW.

“There's plenty happening this year. The sport’s building pretty well around the area and we’ve got shows in Dubbo and Parkes, Nyngan, Cowra and then we're gonna finish the year off with a really big show on the 21st of December in Orange,” he said.

Dave said it’s grassroots promotions like Battle in the Bush (which is promoted by his son Jack Littlefield) that is helping to draw more people to the sport.

After each local show, Jack gets more and more inquiries from people looking to learn the “Sweet Science.” 

“The local shows obviously create interest and more people want to learn more about it,” Dave said.

“It just gives it the exposure that it deserves.”