Boxing: Running great inspires Codling towards medal

9.00am

MANCHESTER - Boxer Daniel Codling has adopted the mantra of athletics great John Walker as he readies to take on his Australian nemesis Daniel Geale for a shot at a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

The pride of Waiheke Island today assured himself of a bronze in the 67kg welterweight division with a comfortable 37-24 points decision over Nigerian Olanrewaju Ekundayo.

He will join heavyweight team-mate Shane Cameron of Feilding in the semifinals which move from the cramped Wythenshawe Forum to the impressive MEN Arena early tomorrow (NZT).

Codling has long been awaiting a return clash with the Tasmanian Geale, who narrowly toppled him in their last two fights. The most recent was this year's Oceania championships final in Taupo when Codling lost by a solitary point.

But Codling, 23 and at his first Games after narrowly missing out four years ago, has changed his mindset after reading the words of the former Olympic gold medallist.

"There's a quote from John Walker hanging in our common room saying 'don't watch the opposition train or anything, just worry about yourself and everything should fall into place'. I've taken quite a lot from that," Codling said.

"I've got a lot of confidence in my coach and he thinks we've got a great chance."

Codling confidently took control against the Nigerian today, tagging him with a left-right combination to take the first round 7-4. He landed five consecutive punches late in the second round to keep a healthy lead, and despite receiving a soft standing eight count in the third he was never in danger.

Codling's efforts meant the New Zealand boxing team, which only sent one fighter to the Sydney Olympics, achieved a 50 per cent medal haul from their Games team of four after Daniel Headifen and Kahukura Bentson had narrow first round exits.

Codling, now a personal trainer in Auckland after spending his youth on Waiheke Island, said his defence needed tightening but otherwise he was more than happy with his form.

Not satisfied with bronze, he was eyeing the final.

"Quietly I'm just thinking 'awesome to have a medal' but the task isn't over yet. I've got another job to do and I'd love to improve the colour for my country.

"I want nothing less... gold's it."

Coach Phil Shatford today had Codling constantly attacking Ekundayo and the slugfest was in stark contrast to Geale's measured 25-13 win over Sierra Leone's Tony Cesay.

Although Codling had to back up from a tough fight little more than 24 hours later, he didn't see it as a problem.

"I guess only time and rest will tell but I've done it a number of times. Hopefully I'll be blessed with a good sleep and I'll wake up fine tomorrow."

An expectant Codling was certain a large New Zealand presence would be there to cheer on he and Cameron tomorrow and was relishing the change from a small venue.

"This won't be anything like the semifinals or finals, I've been told they will blow the stadium away. Everyone's after tickets."

- NZPA

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