IT’S been a decade in the making, but Port Macquarie Boxing Club is ready for the return of fight nights.
More than just punches and pride, Homecoming Fight Night at Port Macquarie Race Club on 18 April is set to be a celebration of local talent, rising stars, and a community deeply rooted in fighting spirit.
“Hosting our first tournament in years and bringing our sport to the viewing public is going to be fantastic,” Mick Eggins, Port Macquarie Boxing Club coach, told News Of The Area.
“From our fighters, coaches, sponsors and supporters, we are pumped for the 18th.”
Headlining the night is local standout Jess Messina, who is poised to make history.
Already an established name in Australian boxing, Messina will step into the ring against Gold Coast’s Louise Creaven of Matrix Boxing Gym in a high-stakes Australian title bout at a new weight division.
A victory would see Messina crowned a two-division national champion: a rare and remarkable achievement that could cement her legacy as the region’s finest fighter.
The amateur ranks will be equally electrifying, led by main event contender Charlie Huckson.
Originally from Gloucester in the United Kingdom, Huckson brings international pedigree and grit, having previously claimed the English ABA 67.5kg title.
With over 20 fights to his name, he is now chasing a Northern NSW title in a highly anticipated five-round rematch against his last opponent.
It’s a showdown that promises intensity and redemption.
Local pride continues to run deep throughout the card with Jordon Green, who’s fresh off winning his division in the 2024 King of the Ring tournament.
A proud local with strong family ties to Kendall Central School and deep Birpai heritage, Green represents both the future of the sport and the enduring connection between boxing and community.
Fan interest is surging around Ryan Campbell as he prepares to settle the score in a high-tension trilogy decider against rival Harper Boyd, with one win apiece.
Alex “Ragnar” James enters the card as a fighter whose journey into boxing is as powerful as his punches.
A former Gold Coast Titans development squad player, his rugby league career was cut short by injury, but adversity forged a new path.
Inspired by the memory of his late friend Jai Green, Ragnar stepped into the ring and made an immediate impact with a devastating stoppage in his first outing.
Now, he returns as one of the most intriguing and hard-hitting prospects on the card.
The heavyweight division will shake the building as Kai Wakley, the reigning Northern NSW Super Heavyweight champion, looks to impose his dominance once again.
Emerging talent Harley Rayment, a 2025 Golden Gloves divisional champion and St Joseph’s Regional School standout, continues his rapid rise in the 67kg division, while Tyler Bennett, a former Port Breakers junior turned boxer, brings fresh enthusiasm and dedication after just one fight – already inspired by time spent alongside IBF world champion Jai Opetaia.
Rounding out the card are determined fighters like Kurt Green, ensuring a stacked lineup from top to bottom.
After 10 years without a local showcase, the return of boxing marks a new chapter for the club and the wider community.
The message is clear: boxing is back in Port Macquarie, and it’s coming out swinging.
“The whole team knows what they are fighting for; a chance to put on a show in front of family, friends and the Hastings area.”
Everyone has taken their training to the next level and wants to show the public the talent that this area has produced.”
By Rikki WALLER
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
