"I'm guessing 400-plus boxers will turn up, because everyone wants a crack at the New Zealand title."
A kapa haka performance and a welcome from Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall, along with registrations, will take place on October 5.
Four days of action are set to follow.
"Nominations have been sent out to all 24 boxing associations around the country," Tofa said.
"They've only got August to nominate the boxers because it takes another three weeks for the officials to separate them into those 52 categories. It's a lot of work.
"Canterbury have already replied. They've booked their motel and they are really looking forward to coming.
"The ball is well and truly rolling. I'm so excited, it's building up nice and slowly."
A corporate boxing night at Jubilee Stadium in March raised about $48,000 for the event, but Tofa said sponsorship was still needed to cover additional costs.
"I went out yesterday and gave letters to a lot of smaller businesses," he said.
"We've already had some emails back so the support is out there. You just have to get out there and do the work.
"There will always be costs that pop up for an event of this size. Whanganui & Partners have come to the table for the hiring of the [Jubilee] Stadium, which is really great, and we are waiting for confirmation from the NZCT [New Zealand Community Trust] for support for the ring.
"That alone is $16,000."
In terms of local boxers, Tofa said a team of five would represent Whanganui at this stage.
"There's Sale [Oldehaver], who's a good super heavyweight, and then we've got four in the juniors and cadets.
"The team could grow to six or seven if some of the bigger boys can make that commitment.
"I had a really good talk to them this week and said 'look, I don't want you just there as a number'.
"We are holding the bloody thing so I want them to turn up fit and ready to go. We want to represent Whanganui, and we want to look good."
