As reported by NZ Herald, Boxers from across the North Island and visiting athletes from Samoa showcased their skills over the weekend at the Hastings Giants Boxing Academy gym. This marked the first event hosted at the new Mitre 10 Sports Park venue since the Giants relocated 18 months ago, according to head coach Craig McDougall. He emphasised that this would not be the last event at the new venue, stating, “We typically run three or four events like this annually, and this is our first since moving from Hastings Central. We plan to host many more as everyone loves a bit of amateur boxing.”
A contingent of Samoan boxers from Marist Boxing Club, including Samoan national youth titleholder Darius Poulava and 2023 Pacific Games silver medallist Saliuafi Tuautu, traveled to New Zealand for the event. They spent three days training in Auckland before arriving in Hawke’s Bay. McDougall highlighted the collaborative efforts between Australia, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand to develop both coaches and boxers, noting that New Zealand boxers have previously visited Samoa for competitions and development. He stated, “We brought Marist Boxing Club from Samoa over in 2018 as part of our ongoing relationship, believing that working together is the best way for Oceania to improve.”
The event, sponsored by New Zealand couple Gavin and Lou Brightwell of Saletoga Sands Resort and Spa in Samoa, featured boxers from Gisborne, Wairoa, Dannevirke, Rotorua, Tauranga, Napier, and Hastings. Notable participants included North Island Golden Gloves champions Renee Doole and Harvey Madden. The weekend included sparring and coaching sessions on Friday, with matches held on Saturday and Sunday evening. McDougall praised the “wonderful” community of boxing enthusiasts in Hawke’s Bay, particularly among Māori and Pacific Islanders, and emphasised the importance of showcasing the sport to provide pathways for young talent to achieve success.
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