Ari Adlington is awarded her gold medal bout at the Golden Gloves. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Ari Adlington is awarded her gold medal bout at the Golden Gloves. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Tauranga Boxing Club coach Chris Walker has again showed his credentials as one of the best boxing coaches in the country after his team of five boxers won four gold medals at the North Island Golden Gloves held over Queen's Birthday weekend in Taupō.
Senior women's Middleweight Ari Adlington confirmedher status as one of the most promising female boxers in the country.
"Ari warmed up for the title decider in her first bout, stopping her opponent, before meeting Stephanie Trotter with the gold medal at stake. She left little petrol in the tank against her southpaw opponent, to receive the judge's decision, with her two sterling performances earning her the prestigious scientific female boxer of the tournament award," Walker said.
Hannah Walker won her third successive Golden Gloves crown in the Junior Women's Lightweight class. In a straight final, she proved too strong for Mya Kahukoti and was rewarded with a unanimous decision. Walker's latest win continued her outstanding record of just two defeats in 15 fights.
Michael Crosa fought twice in the Youth Lightweight division to post two solid unanimous victories and win his second successive Golden Gloves title.
Senior Novice Welterweight Kristian Millard was the busiest Tauranga boxer, fighting three times during the two-day tournament. Millard had to pull out all the stops in the final against Leon Bugden to grab a split decision. Brady Lesa bowed out of the competition in his first bout after a good scrap that saw his opponent receive a unanimous decision.
North Island Golden Gloves results Senior Women's Middleweight — Ari Adlington defeated Stephanie Trotter (King Country) Youth Lightweight — Michael Crosa defeated Richard Andrews (Hutt Valley) Senior Novice Welterweight — Kristian Millard defeated Leon Bugden (Whangarei) Junior Women's Lightweight — Hannah Walker defeated Mya Kahukoti (Gisborne)
