Auckland's Ian McDonald-Tauaika (blue) battles Te Kotahitangi Te Tawhero from Te Toki a Maui on the opening day of competition. Photo \/ Dan Boobyer<\/p>\n
The 2021 New Zealand Amateur Boxing Championships are under way in Whanganui, and the entire local contingent are already into this weekend's finals.<\/p>\n
There was a little luck along the way, with super heavyweight Sale Oldehaver's semifinal bout cancelled after his opponent suffered a broken finger in a preliminary fight.<\/p>\n
\"That guy is the New Zealand champ but he's out, and that means anything could happen this weekend,\" head coach and tournament organiser Eddie Tofa said.<\/p>\n
\"There has been some luck with the draw as well, but it is what it is. Having five in the finals is great for us.<\/p>\n
\"We are hoping the local community comes down to support them.\"<\/p>\n
Championship bouts take place on Friday and Saturday.<\/p>\n
Joining Oldehaver are Isabella Parkes, 13, Tekahui Spittal-Rahina, 15, Chille Palmer, 16, and Pheenyx Apiata-Cook, 14.<\/p>\n
Tofa said the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic had impacted overall numbers, but there would still be 70 bouts over the entire competition.<\/p>\n
\"Things have been going well. There was a real buzz yesterday [Wednesday] when things finally got under way.<\/p>\n
\"The level of competition is right up there. It's New Zealand title on the line so nobody wants to stand back.<\/p>\n
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\"There are two people standing in the middle of the ring having a go at each other.\"<\/p>\n
If Whanganui is to take home titles, it will be a quick turnaround before they have to defend them.<\/p>\n
The River City will also host the 2022 championships in October.<\/p>\n
Tofa said he expected the next edition to have a lot more entrants.<\/p>\n
\"Everything is already booked and ready to go. People are very happy to be here this time around and they want to come back.<\/p>\n
\"This competition is good practice for us, and a trial run for the next one. We're excited.\"<\/p>\n
The New Zealand Amateur Boxing Championships run until April 23 at Jubilee Stadium.<\/p>\n
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Read more from the original source:<\/p>\n
Whanganui boxers reach finals of New Zealand Amateur Championships - New Zealand Herald<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Auckland's Ian McDonald-Tauaika (blue) battles Te Kotahitangi Te Tawhero from Te Toki a Maui on the opening day of competition. Photo \/ Dan Boobyer The 2021 New Zealand Amateur Boxing Championships are under way in Whanganui, and the entire local contingent are already into this weekend's finals. There was a little luck along the way, with super heavyweight Sale Oldehaver's semifinal bout cancelled after his opponent suffered a broken finger in a preliminary fight. Continue reading