The dawning of 2025 saw the Croucher boxing dynasty click over 133 years of boxing achievement from 1892 – 2025.
The boxing began at Bargate, south of Southhampton in England, an area which was used for sporting pursuits.
Grandfather, Harry Croucher senior was a bareknuckle fighter who took on all comers for a pound a round, followed by his three sons Harry junior, Albert and Dan who was the father of Bairnsdale local, Mick.
Dan had many bouts in the Navy and Albert went on to win the European Title.
Next in line was Mick who had a 30 bout amateur career winning numerous amateur titles including two Victorian championships, trained by local policeman Joe Machen and Len Marriot at the Bairnsdale Police & Citizens Youth Club.
After a three year stint, Mick turned professional and joined the famed Essendon, Jack Rennie boxing gym, where he trained everyday with the legendary soon to be the next World Bantamweight Champion , Lionel Rose MBE, formerly of Drouin.
Mick said that training with Lionel for four years was a great experience he will never forget, climbing to number one contender for the Australian Lightmiddleweight Championship, but after 12 months waiting for a title shot, Mick retired and joined the offshore oil industry in Bass Strait.
Son, Nathan had a very successful amateur career winning 38 bouts from 41 attempts, winning three Victorian and Australian titles and his first pro bout defeating Matt Shaw of Queensland over six rounds in Melbourne.
Nathan now has a one year old son Harry Croucher junior, time and destiny will tell and determine his sporting career.
