Boxing: Hard work paying off

Two young Northland boxers with the Commonwealth Games in their sights are heading off to compete in China next weekend.

Deanne Carpenter of Whangarei and Magan Maka of Wellsford are gearing up for the Third Taipei City Cup international boxing tournament at Taipei Gymnasium from August 15 to 18.

The pair were sparring at Whangarei Boxing Gym on Monday in preparation for the event, despite being in different boxing categories.

Deanne, 18, is in the youth category and 69kg weight division. Magan, 19, competes in the elite category and 75kg weight division.

The pair are also preparing for the VIII International Silesian Women Championships in Poland in September, touted to be a qualifier for the next Commonwealth Games.

Deanne is coached by Whangarei Boxing Gym's Tim Bowman, who says it's an incredible feat for Northland boxing.

"They're just such good boxers. It's good to have them both here," he said. Magan is coached by her father, Filli Maka, of Wellsford Boxing, and Mr Bowman says the pair often spar together.

"They spend around four days a week working on fitness, physical training and technical skills," Mr Bowman said. "Plus they have their own weekend work running, hitting the road."

Deanne said she's feeling pretty good about her upcoming Taipei bout. "Nervous and excited at the same time," she said.

For her the Commonwealth Games are a definite goal. "I train every single night and it's good to get the sparring with these girls [Magan and another fighter from Taranaki, Tania Robbertsen] and the experience." It's why she enjoys boxing. "I love the travel and the fitness - it just makes you feel good," she said.

Magan says she is also excited and training hard for the Taipei event. "Hopefully I'll be able to bring back a medal."

Sometimes she's training up to twice a day in order to fulfil her dream of fighting at the Commonwealth Games. "That's something I am aiming for," she said. The New Zealand women boxers - Carpenter (Whangarei), Maka (Wellsford) and Robbertsen (Taranaki) - arrive for the competition on August 14.

The general medical examination and weigh-in are set to be held on August 15, with preliminary bouts kicking off on August 16.

The VIII International Silesian Women Championships are being held from September 18 to 22.