Two golds and a silver for trio

SHAPING UP: Patu Tahi Boxing Club fighters performed well at the North Island Golden Gloves. Pictured at training are (from left) Jett Larby, Khadyn Kahukiwa-Kora, Tyla Kahukiwa-Larby and Dann Larby. Picture by Liam Clayton

BOXING

It was a successful weekend for Patu Tahi Boxing at the North Island Golden Gloves.

Khadyn Kahukiwa-Kora, Jett Larby and Tyla Kahukiwa-Larby travelled to Taupo to fight in the event under the guidance of head coach Kim-Maree Larby.

All three returned home with a medal, after the club bagged two golds and one silver.

Kahukiwa-Kora fought in the 50-kilogram cadet male division, winning his golden gloves in an exciting fight against Rotorua’s Hunter Hay.

At only 12 years of age, Kahukiwa-Kora fought with the smart and composed style that also earned him the Central North Island title in his division.

A strong jab established his range and he was able to land some significant scoring punches. He won by unanimous decision.

Kim-Maree Larby said Kahukiwa-Kora showed “extreme talent” as a boxer over the weekend, and gave an outstanding performance.

“He was so composed that he made it look like he outclassed his opponents,” she said.

“It’s normally after about 20 fights (in amateurs) when they start getting more scientific and classy in the ring. Our boxers are already getting to do that after 10 or 15 fights, they blow me away.”

It was Jett Larby’s first fight of the year and he was matched up against an opponent Kim-Maree Larby described as one of the top junior boxers in the country, Kahu Rangiawha, in the 52kg junior male division.

Rangiawha had three times the number of fights that Jett had, had represented New Zealand and was in the national boxing development squad.

Jett held his own against an opponent who had had significantly more time in the ring. Jett arguably won the first round, but Rangiawha came out firing in the latter stages of the second round and into the third, connecting with the most significant strikes of the bout.

It was such a close bout the commentary team had a split decision, but the judges gave Rangiawha a unanimous points decision. Jett’s efforts earned him second place.

Kahukiwa-Larby won her division unopposed, after finding out during weigh-ins that she had no opponents.

It’s not uncommon for amateur events to have unopposed champions, as there are a significant number of divisions.

Kim-Maree Larby said Kahukiwa-Larby had worked extremely hard in training for the event and deserved recognition for her commitment. She left the competition as the 52kg junior female New Zealand champion.

This year, Sky Sport Next broadcast the entire event live. Kim-Maree said it gave her fighters more motivation to perform well.

“The kids were so stoked (to be on TV),” she said.

“They were over the moon. We don’t always get to watch the kids perform.

“Jett sat down for the next three hours after his fight and watched it over and over, reviewing it.”