Nationals return after seven years

BIG EVENT: Rotorua's Rex Jenkins (pictured) is looking forward to seeing the Boxing New Zealand Championships come to the city in July. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

THE 2016 Boxing New Zealand Championships are coming to Rotorua this July marking the biggest boxing event to visit the city since 2009, according to one of the organisers Rex Jenkins.

The nationals, for the best amateur boxers in the country, was held in Invercargill last October but have been moved forward to July 19-23 this year, to better line-up with overseas boxing.

The best fighters from each boxing association across the country are nominated and sent to the event to try and chase a national title.

Central North Island Boxing Association chairman Rex Jenkins said they had to bid for the nationals, at an AGM last year in Invercargill, and they won the right to host. He said he was expecting an even bigger field of fighters this year compared to last year when it was held in the deep south.

"I would expect being more central than last year to get at least 150 nominations [fighters]. I think they got about 120 last year way down in Invercargill."

The nationals will be held at the Energy Events Centre and all the fights will be contested in one ring, surrounded by plenty of seating for spectators.

Jenkins said the city had not hosted the nationals since 2009 and this would be the biggest boxing event back in Rotorua since then.

"This is the cream of the crop. It is not like a normal tournament. It is something a lot more worthy of going to see."

Jenkins said they had a big bill on their hands to host the event and were currently asking for sponsors to come on board to support the event. If you are interested in sponsoring the event contact Rex Jenkins on (07) 348 4212 or vickyjenkins105@gmail.com.

Divisions at the Boxing New Zealand National Championships include cadets (12-14), juniors (15-17), youth (17-19) and elite. There is different weight classes in each division as well. Jenkins said there would be a good mix of local fighters competing for national titles.

-Tickets to the event will be available through Ticketex.