Boxing teens keen as mustard

Brad Jenkins, 17, left, and Jayden Jenkins, 15, are fighting in this weekend's Central Rotorua Boxing Club tournament held at the RSA

Two of Rotorua's brightest young boxing stars will join fighters from all over the North Island in the ring this Saturday at Central Boxing Club's first tournament of the year.

But don't think cousins Brad and Jayden Jenkins will be getting an easy ride on home turf.

"They don't get easy matches when they fight at home. They are here to show the general public what they are made of," said legendary Rotorua boxing coach Rex Jenkins, who is the boys' grandfather.

"There's no special treatment just because they're my grandsons. I'm probably harder on them. They have to set an example."

Brad, 17, and Jayden, 15, have both been boxing since they were 10 years old, while Mr Jenkins has been training budding fighters in his Ford Rd garage for the past 30 years.

Speaking to the Rotorua Daily Post at the garage yesterday, all three said they were looking forward to the weekend's tournament, which is being held at the RSA on Haupapa St.

"It's your home territory, and you want to defend it," Jayden said.

One of the tournament's top drawcards is Brad's challenge bout with fellow lightweight Niko Nicholson. Two weeks ago, Brad lost to the Hamilton boxer after a "mighty good fight" that went down to a split decision.

But he felt confident going into the rematch.

"I'm going to win this time. I've improved since the last fight," he said.

"The likes of Brad should be thinking about [senior boxing] now," Mr Jenkins said.

"But he does need to develop more."

It doesn't take long in his company to get a sense of the coach's keen knack for spotting young boxing talent: there is no undue praise given, even of his own grandsons, but instead a clear-eyed recognition of ability and what it takes to succeed.

"If you're going to do well in our sport, you need to do the homework," he said.

"Boxing is science. It's not about bashing each other to pieces, it's a skill. It's still a gentleman's game."

Brad said it was "the excitment of competing" that kept him jumping back into the ring. 'When you fight well you enjoy it more," he said.

Jayden agreed, saying he liked "just getting in the ring and giving it your all."

Saturday's tournament is taking place at a time when the Rotorua RSA is under threat of closure. While not a member himself, Mr Jenkins said it would be a shame to see it go and hoped holding the boxing event there would be of some help.

"It's part of every town and they represent our soldiers," Mr Jenkins said. "It would be sad to see it close."

The tournament takes place at the RSA Rotorua, Haupapa St on Saturday, April 18 from 3pm. Tickets are $5 for children, $10 for adults.