Boxing: Sam McNicol thrives in underdog role

EXHIBITION TIME: Giants Saili Fiso (left) takes on Heretaunga's Ryan Scaife in an exhibition bout. Photo/Supplied

David versus Goliath.

This was the call when Hawke's Bay boxer Sam McNicol stepped into the ring to take on Lower Hutt's Keanu Enoka at his Hastings Giants Boxing Academy's recent tournament at their Flaxmere home.

Spectators soon realised why with the 1.6m McNicol weighing 53kg and the 1.7m Enoka weighing 56kg. The pair had met seven times previously since 2013 with the Bellevue club's Enoka up five wins to two.

When the visitor landed two solid rights during the first 30 seconds of the first round the home crowd had every right to be concerned. However, a slight adjustment and a solid body blow from Nicol got him back into the round and the scorecards favoured him at the first bell.

With some superb tips from trainer Seamus Daly before round two Nicol settled into his work. He managed to stay out of trouble from the much taller and longer reach whilst landing his own right hand to Enoka's face and using a solid straight left to bloody his nose.

Round three came fast and Nicol continued to pour the pressure on. His dominance became apparent with the unanimous decision a reflection of the hard work and consistent conditioning he puts in.

Palmerston North's Alex Jenkins was too strong for his Bellevue opponent Rowan Woolloff. Taumarunui's Tanzin Rika used the basic straight punches and courage to outshine the more experienced Korey Samuels of Palmerston North.

Former Commonwealth Games representative and national welterweight champion Leroy Hindley recorded a convincing win against the seasoned Shiva Mishra. Hindley was a little rusty having not boxed since July last year, but will be back to his best in no time as he builds towards more competitions.

An absolute cracker of a bout and rematch from 12 months ago in Hastings saw Wellingtonian Raymond Seumanu defeat Raukawa Kahukoti of Gisborne. The skilled, conditioned and tough 15-year-olds dispensed loads of entertainment with the result going to the judges after three rounds. A split decision (2 judges to 1) went the same way as 2016 but both deserved the solid round of applause from the 120 people around the small ring.

With a favour from Heretaunga Boxing Club in Upper Hutt their current national middleweight champion Ryan Scaife took on the Giants Saili Fiso at 15 minutes notice because Fiso's Wairoa opponent didn't front. This pair produced a three two-minute round exhibition.

This act of camaraderie was an ideal way to end the night. It proved boxing is about the development of people more than the knockout blow.

The Hawke's Bay Youth Trust was happy with the outcome of the tournament and will look to run more amateur Friday night tournaments at the academy.