What’s happening?
Redland Bay’s Neon Boxing Academy is celebrating major success after three of its Indigenous athletes represented Queensland at the AIS World Championship Selection Trials in Canberra over the weekend. Gene Keremete (23) remained undefeated and secured his spot on the Australian team for the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. His teammates, Luke Morrison (21) and Kipa Keremete (24), both reached the semi-finals—firmly placing themselves among the best amateur boxers in Australia.
Why it matters
This moment is monumental not just for the gym but for the Redlands. “We’re proud to share that Gene went undefeated and won the national selection event,” said Coach Leon Lay. “This means the world to us. These young men are proving what’s possible when you combine community, commitment, and the right environment.”
Gene will represent Australia internationally in September, and Neon Boxing Academy has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with travel and training costs.
Local Impact
Since launching in December 2023, Neon has become a rising force in the Redlands, combining elite performance with community outreach. The gym supports over 150 active members, including:
-
50+ juniors under 18
-
20+ female athletes
-
20+ Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander boxers
-
15+ individuals with diverse needs
Through its not-for-profit arm, Punch with Purpose, the gym empowers youth—especially Indigenous and disadvantaged athletes—via access to sport, holistic development, and financial support.
By the Numbers
-
1 athlete (Gene Keremete) selected for the 2025 Australian National Team
-
3 Indigenous athletes reached AIS Selection Trials semi-finals or higher
-
7 medals in 2024 from major tournaments including Nationals, King of the Ring, and Tattersall’s
-
25 amateur athletes, 7 masters, and 1 pro in the 2025 competitive team
-
2 athletes represented Australia internationally in 2024
-
3 athletes on track for World Championships in England this September
Zoom In
The club’s elite 2025 team includes:
-
Gene Keremete, Light Welterweight, national silver medallist, and QUT Nutrition student
-
Luke Morrison, Middleweight, current QLD Champion and apprentice carpenter
-
Kipa Keremete, Light Middleweight, multi-time Golden Gloves Champion and QUT Exercise Science student
-
Patrick Miethke, 2024 Australian Champion now preparing for pro boxing
At the helm is Coach Leon “Neon” Lay, a decorated coach with 20+ years’ experience across boxing, Muay Thai, MMA and Jiu Jitsu, and a proud member of the QLD Boxing Coaching Team (2023–2025).
Zoom Out
Beyond the ring, Neon hosts mental health workshops, sound healing events, financial literacy seminars, and school fundraisers. It also runs free community boxing sessions at LSKD HQ and donation drives for Night Ninjas.
The launch of Punch with Purpose in 2025 further boosts Neon’s capacity to deliver subsidised training, youth programs, and outreach services.
What to look for next
Gene’s journey to Liverpool is just beginning, and the gym is now rallying the community to support his campaign via their GoFundMe. Meanwhile, Luke and Kipa are gearing up for future international selections and building momentum toward the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“From first-timers to future Olympians,” said Leon, “we’re committed to developing champions in the ring—and in life.”
