Boxing: Northlanders pack punch in Australia

Northland boxers after their return from a successful Golden Gloves championships. From left, Harrison Knew, Olivia Siakisini, Luke Feaver and Deanne Carpenter. Photo/John Stone

Northland has proved itself as a boxing force following the completion of the Australia Golden Gloves championships.

Four fighters out of Whangarei Boxing Gym, two out of Wellsford Boxing and one from the Waipapa-based Northland Boxing Gym came back with four gold medals and two silvers.

Deanne Carpenter had a double success at the Golden Gloves.

The 20-year-old took out the 69kg senior division and also brought home the award for best female boxer of the week.

17 year old Harrison Knew continued his stunning form with victory in the 52kg youth men's division.

Luke Feather (18) was also very impressive.

Competing in the 64kg senior men's division, Feaver had to settle for silver following a narrow loss in the championship bout.

Meanwhile Olivia Siakisini won silver in the 81kg senior women's division.

Competing out of Wellsford Boxing, 14-year-old Onyx Lye won gold in the 69kg junior division, while 17-year-old Tui Vea had a narrow loss in the 57kg junior division.

Northland Boxing Gym was represented by Kyle Chen, who claimed the 75kg Junior Male Open title.

Chen won all three rounds in the final via unanimous points decision. His coach, Rusty Porter, wasn't surprised at the result, considering the focus and form Chen took into the event.

"Chen fought really well. He's focused, been training well," he said.