Boxing: Kyle Chen on road to Youth Commonwealth Games

Boxing sensation Kyle Chen is targeting gold at the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas. Pictured here with Winston Peters. Photo/Andrew Johnsen

Teenage boxing sensation Kyle Chen is primed for the biggest year of his life.

Following this weekend's North Island Golden Gloves where he has a bout, Chen has his sights on the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas.

The 16-year-old Kerikeri High School pupil said he was honoured by his selection in the Games squad.

"Yeah it's probably the most prestigious selection I've had. I previously competed at the 2015 Junior Worlds but I think this will be above it," he said.

"It will just be the boxers from the Commonwealth and they are definitely strong but not as strong as boxers from Russia, USA and Cuba.

"I fly out to the Bahamas on July 13."

He currently divides his time by training at the Kaeo Boxing Club between two to four times a week, spending the remaining week days working on his aerobic fitness at the gym in Kerikeri while continuing his studies.

Chen has now recorded 20 straight wins since his last loss, his second bout at the world youth championships Russia in August 2015.

Chen has been dominating the cadet and junior division in Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand since 2013.

The young pugilist's rise began just five years ago when he decided to do some extra training to keep him in shape for the winter sports season.

"I started training in 2012 when I was 11, had my first fight the next year and had my first national title the year after that," he said.

"I used to play rugby so I joined boxing for fitness training. I picked up an injury at Taniwha Shield so I couldn't play for a while.

"I decided then to dive right into boxing."

Chen has been putting in time trying to fundraise the $5700 athlete contribution to get him on the plane to the Bahamas. So far he has raised $2500.

He has been trying to get his name out into the public and has a Givealittle page set up in the hopes people could donate to his budding career.

Chen has one simple goal for the Youth Commonwealth Games, but has an eye on future success.

"Gold is the aim for the Youth's [Games], nothing less," he said.

"My number one future goal is a gold medal at the Olympics. The next one I'm eligible for is 2020 in Tokyo.

"After that a world title and the senior Commonwealth Games are also targets."

Chen is well on his way to big success in the ring and it all comes from a genuine love of the craft.

"I love the individualism of boxing. You only have yourself to rely on out there."