Wandong’s Santino Brigante was in a state of euphoria when he claimed junior champion in his weight division at the International German Open for Juniors (U17) last month in Lindow, Germany.
Alongside nine juniors, the 16-year-old was selected to represent Australia on the international stage after receiving silver at the 2024 Australian Schools Boxing Championships in Perth earlier this year.
Before entering the ring in Germany, Santino was doing all he could to make weight—skipping, jumping, and participating in any activity necessary to drop to his weight division, 52kg, for the three fights.
Over three days, Santino faced the challenge of needing to knock out each opponent to advance, starting with a three-time champion from Germany, who Santino kept throwing his right hand each time they fought.
Progressing to the next round, it took speed and power to work out his next opponent from Ukraine, who had notably broad shoulders.
However, with quick footwork and precise strikes, Santino executed his game plan, ultimately securing a decisive victory and moving one step closer to his goal.
The last fight was against a familiar face, an Australian opponent from Queensland, but it was the first time Santino had fought him.
Santino felt the loss in the first round of the fight, but once his ring-side coach Ben Chua urged him to ‘step it up’, he outworked his opponent and kept attacking until he was titled the winner.
Santino said he shouted in exhilaration once he had won the fight, knowing he was returning home with another title up his sleeve.
“Each match tested my skills and determination, but the thrill of victory and the sense of accomplishment were unparalleled,” he said.
“It was a journey filled with intense training, teamwork, and the pride of representing my country. This tournament was not only about the wins but also about growing as a boxer and connecting with competitors from across the globe.”
Compared to his tournaments in Australia, Santino said the German competition was the busiest tournament he had experienced.
“It [was] different for me, the most I’ve had in a tournament, the most I’ve had to fight in a week,” he said.
“It taught me to be ready, and to know what it feels like now [competing everyday].”
Training five days a week in intense style, Santino made the move to his new club Lionsden Boxing Academy in Delahey under coach Christian Pocev, who he had trained with on several occasions in his younger years.
Growing with the sport, Santino will move to the next age division to youth where he will be competing against 17- and 18-year-olds.
Santino’s last tournament for the year will be at the Fiji Development Tournament in November, selected in the junior category for the 54kg division.
Santino, and his family who are incredibly proud, thanked his coach and sponsors who have supported him along the way.
