Boxing: Scorching Summer to put heat on

It's not often the words Summer Lake would strike fear into a boxer's heart. But it's starting to become the case in Rotorua.

Murupara boxer Summer Lake is the latest sensation off the rack from the Rotovegas Boxing Gym.

The 15-year-old has made an impact in the boxing ring.

A Ngati Manawa descendant, Lake has a devastating left hook which has caused a lot of trouble for her opponents. Her boxing style is frighteningly similar to former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

In a bout earlier this year, she stopped a 27-year-old fighter in the first round with a left hook.

Lake has a low centre of gravity, bobbing and weaving with devastating effect.

Rotovegas Boxing Gym head coach Aaron Warren said the youngster has even caught the attention of New Zealand boxing coach Cameron Todd.

"He saw her fight and asked me 'where did I get her from?' So even he thinks she has a lot of potential."

The Rangatahi College student is one of 12 fighters who are preparing for the Australian Golden Gloves Championship at the end of the month.

"They've been training four nights a week, plus some out of town sparring for the last two months. They've been training hard and are looking forward to the [championships]," Warren said.

Lake is another Murupara fighter making a name for herself. She joins Aroha Sorenson and Roxaine Duff-Hackett who made the New Zealand team who competed at the Age Group International Competition in Serbia earlier this year.

Although Lake hasn't made a national squad, Warren said it's only a matter of time.

"She is one of the fighters who I asked, 'what is it you really want to get out of boxing?' And Summer said she wants to go to the Olympics in Rio."

Lake - an orthodox boxer, fighting in the lightweight under-60kg division - said she loved to box. "I don't get angry, when I box, I like to try and stay relaxed. But because I'm [usually] shorter than my opponent. I've got to try and attack them get in real close. So they do get a bit of a fright but that's when I'm at my best."

Lake said she modelled her boxing around her favourite boxer Mike Tyson.

"He's short like me. So I try to do what he used to do. Get under their punches and do as much damage as I can."

Lake said although her name appeared tranquil, it was totally opposite to her fighting style.

"I don't know why [my parents] named me Summer. I wasn't born in summer. But a lot of my opponents get a bit of a surprise when they get in the ring with me." The 2012 Golden Gloves will be held Brisbane from August 31 to September 2.