Historical information
These photographs, taken by The Advocate in 2000, feature Lester Ellis, known as “The Master Blaster” and a former World Boxing Champion, as he prepared for a return to competitive fighting through the sport of kickboxing.
The images capture Ellis during his comeback under the guidance of renowned martial arts and kickboxing trainer John Scida, whose coaching helped establish many champion fighters throughout Melbourne's western suburbs. Ellis's move into kickboxing marked a new chapter in the career of one of Australia's most celebrated boxing champions.
The pair were training in the Sunshine Police Youth and Citizens Club located at 52A Sun Crescent, Sunshine.
John Scida was a prominent martial arts, kickboxing and Muay Thai instructor in Melbourne's western suburbs. Beginning as a Zen Do Kai instructor in Sunshine during the 1970s, he became one of the region's leading kickboxing coaches, later establishing Ultimate Gym in St Albans. Through his coaching, he trained numerous champion fighters and helped develop the local martial arts and combat sports community.
Lester's career in kick boxing only lasted briefly before going back to professional boxing where he fought his last fight against Anthony Mundine on the 15th July 2002. Anthony Mundine knocked Ellis down in the first round and, during the third round, Ellis's trainer and brother, Keith Ellis, stopped the fight by throwing in the towel to prevent further punishment. The result was recorded as a third-round technical knockout (TKO) victory for Mundine.
Significance
Lester Ellis is particularly significant to Sunshine and Melbourne's western suburbs because he rose from a local boxing gym in West Sunshine to become a world champion. His success brought national attention to the local boxing community and made him one of the district's most notable sporting figures. His achievements demonstrated the important role that community sporting clubs played in providing opportunities for young people in the western suburbs.
The Sunshine Police Youth and Citizens Club (PCYC) at 52A Sun Crescent, Sunshine, was an important community organisation that promoted youth development through sport, recreation, and community engagement. Operating in partnership with Victoria Police and local volunteers, the club provided a safe environment where young people could participate in activities such as boxing, martial arts, and fitness training. The club played a significant role in fostering community connections and supporting youth participation in organised sport throughout Melbourne's western suburbs.
Physical description
Collection of digitally scanned coloured negatives
Inscriptions & markings
7742.01 - Sunshine Police Youth And Citizens Club 52A Sun Crescent Sunshine 2000 Photographs (Advocate 48).JPG
7742.02 - Sunshine Police Youth And Citizens Club 52A Sun Crescent Sunshine 2000 Photographs (Advocate 48).JPG
7742.03 - Sunshine Police Youth And Citizens Club 52A Sun Crescent Sunshine 2000 Photographs (Advocate 48).JPG
7742.04 - Sunshine Police Youth And Citizens Club 52A Sun Crescent Sunshine 2000 Photographs (Advocate 48).JPG
7742.05 - Sunshine Police Youth And Citizens Club 52A Sun Crescent Sunshine 2000 Photographs (Advocate 48).JPG
7742.06 - Sunshine Police Youth And Citizens Club 52A Sun Crescent Sunshine 2000 Photographs (Advocate 48).JPG
