LAUNCESTON mixed martial arts fighter Shaun Etchell returned home from a competition in Queensland last month with the Eternal MMA Australian fly-weight championship.
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The 21-year-old, Launceston Boxing Club MMA member, went into the bout in Coolangatta as an underdog but dominated his more-fancied opponent and home-town favourite Tim Moore over three rounds.
‘‘Not many people expected it but I got the job done,’’ Etchell said.
Etchell has only been involved in MMA fighting for about 18 months and is undefeated in his class having won all five of his bouts so far.
‘‘I think I might have my next fight booked in Launceston in November but it’s not confirmed yet and then maybe one in Brisbane in January,’’ he said.
Etchell has played NTFA senior football with Rocherlea for the past few years and was part of the club’s three successive division 1 premierships from 2011-13.
He said the football club was usually accommodating in helping him juggle both sports and allowing him time for training and fighting.
‘‘I started with the Hierachy Fight Club in Kings Meadows but I’ve moved to the Launceston Boxing Club and MMA,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m coached by ‘Twigs’ Millwood for my boxing and my MMA coaches are Alex Oliver and Steve Wallace.’’
Etchell will defend his Eternal MMA flyweight title on the Gold Coast next year.
