Sykes has work cut out in China (+video)

ROTORUA boxer Tyson Sykes has left for China on a trip which could see him selected for the Rio Olympics.

Sykes, 27, is the best light heavyweight amateur in the country and flew out of New Zealand yesterday to compete at the Asia/Oceania qualifiers in Qian'an.

Competition starts on Friday and Sykes needs to finish in the top three in his weight division to qualify for the Olympics. However, upwards of 20 fighters are expected to take part in his weight class, meaning he would need to win about four fights in a row.

"It will be tough competition I suppose, so I will just give it my all. I will just leave it all in the ring," he said.

Tyson trains at his father's gym, Sykes Boxing Gym in Western Heights, which is over the fence from his own home. Alongside his full-time training regime, he has also been sparring with top opposition in recent months including Commonwealth Games gold medallist David Nyika-who is also competing in China this week-and top Tauranga professional Gunnar Jackson.

Sykes trains at his father Mike's gym in Western Heights. Photo/Stephen Parker

"That has definitely helped. We have been sparring twice a week and it has been really good."

Tyson, who much prefers to do his talking in the ring, said he was feeling ready for the big task ahead this week. Tyson is trained by his father Mike, who himself attended the 1982 Commonwealth Games as a boxer and had a professional record of 11-0, before retiring because of a bad hand injury. Mike said his son was in the best shape of his life heading into the qualifiers this week.

"We have been training every day-rain, hail or snow -and with the amount of sparring we have had, I think he is ready to rock 'n roll," Mike added.

"We have had mean sparring I must say."

Mike and Tyson said a big thank you to all the people who had supported them in following Tyson's dream of fighting at the Olympics. Tyson is also trained by local trainer Campbell Morrison. The New Zealand team heading to China includes 12 fighters, all in different weight classes and a mix of men and women.

New Zealand has won three Olympic medals in the sport of boxing-Ted Morgan in 1928 (gold), Kevin Barry in 1984 (silver) and David Tua in 1992 (bronze).