Retirement from the ring isn't beckoning at any stage, but the meagre size of the purses on offer are secondary to Tauranga professional Gunnar Jackson's continued rise in the play-for-pay ranks.
Jackson, 24, has been a pro for a year, making giant strides since leaving the amateur game with six wins,two draws and a loss in his nine fights since his debut against Auckland's Josh Tai in Tauranga last year.
Jackson tomorrow fights on the Sonny Bill Williams undercard in Auckland, stepping up from super middleweight to light heavyweight against Nuisila Seiulu, an opponent he disposed of comfortably several months ago.
Jackson came of age back in March when, fighting on the David Tua v Monte Barrett undercard, he fought his way to a solid draw against Samoan star Nuisila Seiulu and is being eyed as a top undercard prospect on the Tua-Barrett rematch.
"My confidence is up right now - I'm in pretty shape and fighting as a pro keeps me motivated to get into the ring and train, although it's more about the sport than it is the money."
Which is just as well - the purses Jackson's been pulling on the gloves are rarely more than $600 (for a win), meaning he's kept hold of his job as a drainlayer.
"Yeh, it's not enough to get rich on just yet! Another year and a few more wins and the money might be bigger but all it is is a bit of pocket money right now."
Jackson was a good amateur without ever cracking it internationally but has worked out a solid formula for success as a pro.
"Taking confidence into the ring is important but staying relaxed works for me. If I get too anxious I find it just zaps my energy too fast."
Another fighter with Tauranga connections, Delhi Commonwealth Games fighter Dave Aloua-Rogers, is also on the Sonny Bill Williams undercard - his second pro fight after a first-up win in Brisbane. Formerly trained at Tauranga Boxing Club by head coach Chris Walker, Aloua-Rogers is now fighting out of the Tony Mundine gym in Sydney. He is unlikely to have much trouble with Henry Tani tomorrow.
Tauranga amateur Vicki Oborn won the women's novice light heavyweight title at the Golden Gloves competition in Taupo. In just her second fight, Oborn kept her 100 per cent record.
