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Hard Hitter

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Joshua Johnston, an underground operator at Kestrel mine, is making waves with his incredible achievements in various sports and his commitment to giving back to the community.

Despite juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and community work, Joshua has managed to excel in various sports, including boxing and rugby league.

Before becoming an underground operator, Joshua played semi-professional rugby league for the CQ Capras and still plays locally for the Emerald Tigers. His love for the sport led him to get involved in the RISE program, where he helps young regional Rugby League players make the link between Rep and Pro footy.

Joshua’s passion for sports doesn’t end there; he has recently taken up boxing competitively and has won all four bouts so far at Super Heavy Weight, competing in Middlemount, Rockhampton and Yeppoon since there is no boxing ring in Emerald.

Despite the lack of facilities in his hometown, Joshua has not let that deter him from pursuing his passion for boxing. He spars against other mine workers who encourage him and challenge him to improve, constantly pushing himself to be the best he can be. Joshua’s aspiration to go professional within 12 months is proof of his dedication and hard work towards the sport.

Joshua’s journey towards becoming a professional boxer has not been easy.

In preparation for the Brisbane competition, he has had to drop kilos to compete in the lower weight division. He manages his nutrition, health, and weight with the help of “Fuelled By Crave,” a healthy meal option supplied by Crave cafe in Emerald. His commitment to the sport and his well-being is admirable, and his success in the ring is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

Beyond sports, Joshua is also an active member of the community. He works as a physical trainer at a local gym, Stadium Premier Fitness, and contributes to charity work twice a year.

In March 2023, he will run a total of 150km to raise funds to support Children’s Cancer, a cause close to his heart. Last year, he raised $3,500 during the month-long fundraiser and hopes to raise a similar amount this year. He has also raised funds for the local Disabilities Support Group “Yumba Bimbi,” donating approximately $4,000 raised from doing 60,000 km on the Skierg (rowing) machine.

Joshua’s resilience and positive attitude are truly inspiring. He describes himself as super competitive and switched from football to boxing because he wanted to reap the reward for his individual efforts. He sees boxing as “Chess with Hands and Face,” constantly improving his match strategy to become a better boxer.

Joshua’s achievements in sports and community work are nothing short of remarkable. He is a role model for anyone looking to pursue their passion and make a positive impact in their community. His dedication to boxing, despite the lack of facilities in his hometown, and his commitment to giving back to the community is a testament to his character and spirit.

We wish Joshua all the best in his future endeavours, and we cannot wait to see him succeed in the ring and beyond.

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