Boxing: First-timers' bout at Tuaman gym

Local girl Lyneir Powell (left) with David Tua and her opponent from Auckland. A group of first-time boxers from Rotorua fought at David Tua's gym in Auckland last week. Photo / Supplied

Eight first-time fighters from Rotorua have been treated to a fight night at David Tua's gym in Auckland.

The RotoVegas Boxing Gym took eight fighters from Rotorua, plus a couple from Te Awamutu, up to the Kamp Tuaman gym in Onehunga last Friday night.

The Rotorua fighters squared off against a group of corporate fighters from the New Zealand boxing legend's gym.

RotoVegas Boxing Gym coach Aaron Warren said the local fighters did really well in front of a big crowd.

"They had only been training for about three weeks. We pulled them together to go and support David, it was his first ever event he has run," Warren said. "He always supports us and our tournaments so it was good to go up."

He said the Rotorua fighters won two bouts and lost six, but everyone really enjoyed the experience.

"It was not all about winning and losing, it was more about having a go and learning all about what the sport is about.

"Everyone [who fought] was over the moon. They got in the ring for the first time ... and they could not believe they had done it. They were on a high all the way home."

The team of local fighters included Michelle Van Schadewijk, Lyneir Powell, Matthew Rowberry, Adrian Austin, Rikihana Basby, Hayden Flutey, Shane Stephens and BJ Iraia.

Warren said no one got hurt during the fight night and it had given some a lot of confidence.

Warren said he had been friends with New Zealand boxing legend Tua and his family for a long time after meeting as young fighters.

Tua will also bring a fighter for the Christmas With a Punch corporate fight night being held in Rotorua on December 6.