"Originally the Aussies wanted to come to the Golden Gloves [in Taupo], but Boxing New Zealand did not allow it because they wanted it to be a ranking tournament," he said.
"So I approached the Western Australian guy and said, 'well how about coming later in the year and I will match the Golden Gloves champions with your guys?'. He jumped at it straight away and said we will be there."
Jenkins said there had been a few hiccups getting the event organised but, in the end, it had been scheduled for this weekend. He said most of the Aussie team were fighting in Taupo today and would travel to Rotorua for the big event tomorrow.
All 18 fighters from Western Australia have been matched up against Kiwi opponents for the event, with two Rotorua fighters taking part including Tyson Sykes and Bradley Jenkins.
"There should be some dang good fights. In my honest opinion this should be one of the best tournaments we have seen in Rotorua in many, many years," Jenkins said.
The youngest fighter is about 14 but most fights will be in the elite class, meaning they will feature adults. The lightest weight class is 60kg and goes up to 81kg.
On top of the 18 transtasman bouts there are four fights on the card just between Kiwis.
The contests will be a mix of male and female fights.
