ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY PLUS BOUTS HERALD A NEW RECORD AT NORTH ISLAND GOLDEN GLOVES

A record 120 plus bouts will be held at the 34th annual North Island Golden Gloves, to be held at the Great Lakes Centre in Taupo during Queens Birthday weekend (2/3 June 2018) - before the annual North Island Boxing championships are done and dusted.

Two groups of club boxers from South Australia and Victoria, are following on from a small contingent of Australian boxers who made the trip across the ditch last year.

Two legends of amateur boxing in the country, are the driving forces behind the tournament that ranks second only in stature and entry numbers, to the Boxing New Zealand National Championships.

Lead organizer Rex Jenkins has been involved in the sport for over 45 years and has earned a reputation as a coach unparalleled in mentoring young boxers. Coach Jenkins, has made numerous forays across the Tasman with youth teams and his many contacts, have led to the second Australian invasion of the Golden Gloves.

"I have been part of the Golden Gloves setup, every year, since they first made their entrance at the Wairakei Village hall way back in 1984. While they require a mountain of preparation and work before and during the tournament, I remain just as committed to our sports pathway tournament as I was back at the start”.

Long-time former boxer, trainer and ringside official Keith Walker, who is responsible for the technical operations of the Golden Gloves, is arguably the best known personality in New Zealand Amateur boxing. Walker has officiated at six Olympic Games and numerous other AIBA international tournaments. Other achievements include serving on the AIBA R&Js Commission and appointment to the AIBA Technical Rules Committee

One Central North Island boxer, who will know what to expect from the Australian contingent, is senior middleweight Emile Richardson. Just ten days ago, Richardson travelled to Brisbane to despatch a well credentialed Queensland boxer, stopping his opponent in round three.

Central North Island gyms will lead the charge for the Golden Gloves titles on offer, with strong representation throughout the grades. Rex Jenkins Rotorua Central Boxing Club, will lead the CNI club teams which include Rotovegas Boxing and Sykes Gym from the Sulphur City, along with boxers from Tauranga, Tokoroa, Taupo and the recently affiliated Taumarunui Boxing Club.

The reason for the huge popularity of the Golden Gloves is twofold. The first is undoubtedly the central location with clubs attending from all four corners of the North Island. A second important factor in the successful championships, is the inclusion of boxers from mini-cadet (10-12 years) to the best elite male and female boxers in the North Island.

North Island Golden Gloves at Great Lakes Centre Taupo Saturday and Sunday (2/3) June 2018.