1 October 2009
BOXING NZ NATIONALS HIT ROTORUA NEXT WEEK
A large number of entries have been received for the Boxing New Zealand National Championships, which will take centre stage in Rotorua next week. The showcase of Amateur Boxing in the country, will be held from Thursday (8th October 2009) through to the senior finals on Saturday (10th October 2009) evening
Boxing has achieved a bigger profile in the country during the last twelve months, with the build-up to the David Tua verses Shane Cameron fight, providing plenty of attention. Both combatants have their name engraved on the Dewar Shield, which is awarded to the winner of the Heavyweight division at the National championships.
Middleweight action is likely to open the afternoon session on day one. With eight confirmed entries, and the likely appearance of veteran Kahukura Bentson in the division, there should be four preliminary contests on Thursday afternoon.
Defending champion Nathan McEwan, who hails from the West Coast but will wear the colours of Canterbury, will be favoured to take out the division. McEwan who currently holds an AIBA World ranking of 25 is also the current Jameson belt holder.
McEwan is likely to receive plenty of competition from fellow Canterbury team member Luke Searle, who is arguably the most improved boxer in the country, in the last twelve months. Another with credentials is Bay of Plenty’s Gunnar Jackson, while Kyle Mereweather (Waikato) is not without a chance.
The Welterweight class is another that will require at least four preliminary bouts on the first day of competition. Last year Wellington/Hutt Valley boxer Leti Emilo Leti, who had won Oceania gold for Samoa, scythed through 69 kilo division to win the Morgan Cup.
An interesting entry is the nomination of Kieran Foley (Shamrock Association) who annexed the national Lightweight crown in 2001. Seamus Whalley (Waikato) and Bowyn Morgan (Canterbury) are two other boxers who should advance from the preliminary contests.
Defending Lightweight titleholder Angus Donaldson (Manawatu) looks to have a stranglehold on the Parisan Cup - with defending Heavyweight champion Yamiko Chinula looking the goods in his division.
One division that traditionally produces plenty of punching action is the Light Welters. Five of the six entries for the 64 kilo category look genuine championship contenders. Defending champion Anthony Taylor (Bay of Plenty) has seen little action in recent months, with last year runner-up Daniel Parkin well placed to make a bid for the gold medal.
Although there are four entries in the Light Heavyweight division, it looks to be a straight out contest between last year’s finalists. Defending champion Zigzag Wallace and Reece Papuni, should have a battle royal when they meet during the championship.
For further information contact:
Barry Leabourn Championship Media Co-ordinator
07 578 5830 027 244 3281 leabourn@ xtra.co.nz