![GOING GLOBAL: Illawarra boxer Tywarna Campbell has set her sights on the 2020 Olympics after returning from her first international tournament. Picture: Sylvia Liber. GOING GLOBAL: Illawarra boxer Tywarna Campbell has set her sights on the 2020 Olympics after returning from her first international tournament. Picture: Sylvia Liber.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc6xvnb7ev9hcpko22mif.jpg/r0_0_5472_3648_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
RISING Illawarra boxing talent Tywarna Campbell says her first foray into international competition has only strengthened her desire to earn a spot on Australia’s 2020 Olympics team.
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Campbell recently returned from India where she competed in the World Youth Boxing championships, falling a controversial decision short of a bronze medal in the 69kgs division.
The state and national titlist took part in a Boxing Australia training camp in the Philipinnes earlier this year, but the tournament in Guwahati was her first taste of international competition.
It was a step up in class for the 17-year-old, but it left her confident that she can mix it on the world stage.
“It was definitely a step up, the competition over there was very high and nothing like what I’d experienced before,” Campbell said.
“I think it’s taken me to a new level and I’m confident I can go back next year and get that medal and then hopefully make the 2020 Olympics team.”
Campbell will take part in a five-week training camp with Australia’s Commonwealth Games team at the AIS in January before mounting another tilt at next year’s world championships.
Father and coach Adrian Campbell, a veteran pro, is confident there’s more to come on the world stage.
“I’m very, very happy but not surprised at all, she’s lived this sport since she was five years old,” he said.
“It was a first international fight for Tywarna, she’s had 16 fights and most of the girls over there have had upwards of a hundred.
“When you’re going to over to fight the best in the world it’s obviously mentally tough but she reached the bronze medal bout and lost a pretty controversial decision.
“I was very proud of her going over there by herself, without the family support and all that sort of thing. It’s very hard for female fighters in Australia, there’s limited competition, but I’m really happy with how she’s come on.
“I knew she’d get there and hopefully it’s the start of bigger things. She’s always wanted to win a medal at the Olympics and then turn pro so that’s our long-term goal.”