Rotorua set to host top-billed boxing tournament

RotoVegas Gym boxers' Kriszia Baker, 20, (right) and Kalai Proctor, 10, will feature in the local Central North Island Boxing tournament. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua is set to host an enthralling boxing tournament.

A boxing team of more than 100 fighters, including 18 local fighters, will compete in the ring in the Central North Island Boxing tournament at RotoVegas Boxing Gym tomorrow. Highlights include a top-billed bout between South Aucklander Patrick Maalaka and Canterbury's Sam Watt to fight for the New Zealand superheavyweight No1 ranking and a middleweight bout to qualify for a Oceania Championship and Commonwealth Games spot.

"It's an important to have something this big in our district," RotoVegas head trainer and owner Aaron Warren said. "There are some huge fights - I'm especially looking forward to the heavyweight bout - it could be a classic. The big boys will be in the ring.

"Also the middleweight fight has a lot on the line - it's great for spectators to have the chance to see that contest."

There will also be more than 25 other fights on the card ranging from the young cadet division, junior and senior categories with Warren aided by Rex Jenkins who runs the Central Boxing Club in Fordlands and has a small team of fighters competing.

"For the youngsters this is a great opportunity," said Warren. "They'll be around experienced elites and hopefully that can inspire them and lift their game. We need more youngsters to come through the ranks."

Ones to watch out for locally include RotoVegas fighters Kriszia Baker, 20 - fighting in the women's under-64kg division and Kalai Proctor, 10, in the under-34kg class. Youngster Maea Hay, trained by Jenkins, will also have a strong chance.

"All the local fighters have every chance of winning and home support should raise them up," Warren said. "It's good to see women fighters involved - Kriszia and Maea are dedicated fighters. In total we have about four female fights. I think that's a good number but I would have liked to have seen more. Perhaps women can be inspired by this tournament.

"I hope the community comes out to show their support."

Central North Island Boxing tournament

When: Saturday 1pm-6pm (approximate finish time.)

Where: RotoVegas Gym, Rotorua

Tickets: Door sale only. Adults: $10 Children: Free