Tooraweenah-based trainer Mark Pitts says his latest boxer is very talented and has what it takes to make the professional level.

Coen Naden is just back from his first big match-up in 18 months, travelling to the Gold Coast for the 2025 AABLI National Boxing titles.

Coen works for Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service as a Health Promotions Officer.

Based out of the Dubbo Office, he visits Coonamble regularly to undertake his work as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner.

Coen trains under Mark and is managed by his dad Phil Naden.

At the Gold Coast on Friday 21 November, Coen was matched with a three times Australian Champion, two times state champion and a three times Golden Gloves boxer from the Sunshine Coast, Jackson Thomas.

Coen and trainer Mark ringside. [IMAGE: supplied]

Coen, who has won three of his five fights, was matched against a very strong opponent but dominated the ring for most of the fight.

“It could have gone either way it was that close,” Mr Pitts said.

“It was a bit of a chess match and Coen surprised him with a few moves.

“He’s 5’8” tall but he’s slight and very quick.”

In what was a hard-fought battle in four two-minute rounds, Coen was beaten by split decision but took a lot away from the fight with an experienced fighter.

Thomas went on to comfortably take the title.

“I felt really composed and confident I would be able to compete in the Nationals ,which I did,” Coen said.

“I had trained and cut weight for the titles and it was a long and challenging camp.

“Competing in the AABLI National Boxing Championships was an honour.

“I faced a world-class fighter with a slick record and incredible experience.

"Although I didn’t get the win, I’m proud of the heart I showed. This loss is only fuel for what comes next.”

Pitts says Coen is “very disciplined and a good listener” so is always looking to learn and improve.

“The training side is a real discipline, you just can’t afford not to be in shape.

“It’s knowing how to eat properly too, cutting out sugars and fried food and eating all natural foods.”

Having just turned 22 Coen is no late comer to the ring.

“I’ve been training since I was 14, never intending to fight until I was 16 when I had my first fight in Cessnock winning via TKO,” he said.

“I got interested in boxing after being too small for basketball and not being able to compete as I was too short. “

Both his dad and his grandfather have been competitive boxers.

Coen prepared for the fight with Mr Pitts in his Tooraweenah Gym over the last six months but Pitts says the final run of preparation was “not ideal”.

“Leading up to the weekend we were trying to get him bouts in Gunnedah and Orange but we couldn’t get a match.

“It can be difficult out here compared to the cities where there’s plenty of competition when you’re preparing.”

Coen is hoping to line up again on 6 December in Newcastle to take on his next opponent for a state title.

“I hope to go international and compete in the elite national and international boxing tournaments and associations in the future,” he said.

“I love that boxing pushes me to uncover who I really am, becoming comfortable in uncomfortable situations and holding my own.

“The training tests my strength, heart, my focus, and my resilience.

“Every fight and training session reminds me that growth comes from hard work, discipline, responsibility, and that’s what keeps me coming back and fighting, wanting to be better every time.”