Sunday, 17 August
1.30pm

Paul Fleming is ambitious to win Olympics gold. His journey on the road to Beijing began seven years ago when, as a thirteen-year-old, he started training as a boxer in the gym set up by his father Steve at the family home in Tully, Far North Queensland.

It wasn't long before Paul's talent for boxing became apparent, and the tough decision was made for Paul to leave home at the age of 16 for the bright lights of the Sunshine Coast where he received training from Mike Foley.

The featherweight 'southpaw' recently beat Australian national champion Luke Jackson for the 57kg title at the Oceania Championships in April to take the spot on the Australian Olympics boxing team.

Aside from the grinding training regimen, Paul has the added challenge of meeting the financial costs of competing in amateur boxing tournaments. Paul's got as far as he has because of his own tenacity, but also due to the commitment of his parents Steve and Donna, his friends and the tight-knit Tully community that offer their financial support. The locals are hoping Paul will put Tully on the map for more than its record-level rainfall and the giant gumboot.
Beijing Boxer tells Paul's story throughout the final stages of his training for the Olympics. We meet his family and girlfriend Sarah, whom Paul is training to box, and members of the Tully community as they cheer Paul on to Olympics glory.

Message Stick: Beijing Boxer will be repeated on ABC2 – Monday, August 18 at 5:00pm