After impressive showings at the South Island Novice Championships, two South Canterbury boxing teams wasted no time returning to the ring.
Both Timaru Boxing and Taafaki Boxing got right back to work after picking up a haul of medals at last month’s novice championships and headed south to compete at the Gore Boxing Club’s 20th Anniversary Tournament.
Timaru Boxing Association entered two fighters in the tournament — 57kg junior male George Cann and 75kg elite male Shannon Drake.
Cann, who was on debut, took a hard punch at start of the fight which caused a heavy nosebleed, but he did not let it slow him down.
He quickly stepped on the gas, grew more and more into the fight the longer it went and dropped his opponent for an eight-count in round three.
Coach Hannah Guthrie said Cann’s fitness really showed throughout the fight.
‘‘He moved well and consistently threw a range of punches right until the very end.
‘‘He won via split decision, although I do feel like it should have been unanimous.’’
Drake was looking to avenge an unfortunate split-decision loss from the novice championship as he rematched with Papanui’s Mason Sadlier.
He put on a composed performance, landing somem strong shots and like Cann, also put his opponent down for an eight-count.
He successfully avenged his previous loss with a split- decision win of his own, despite having lost a point during the bout.
Drake will now be turning his, attention to the upcoming Rangiora Boxing Club tournament along with team-mate William Crooks, who will
be stepping to face one his hardest challenges yet.
On the Taafaki Boxing side, the promising Taafaki Taafaki made a strong return to the ring as the club’s sole contender, competing as an under 63kg male cadet.
Facing a more experienced junior division opponent in Jamie Fairbairn from Rangiora, Taafaki demonstrated remarkable composure, technical skill, and tactical awareness, especially after a six-month hiatus from, competition largely due to challenges securing opponents.
Coach Badi Taafaki said his son Taafaki’s growing reputation for speed, ring intelligence, adaptability and punching precision had made
match-making a challenge.
‘‘Despite some early signs of ring rust, Taafaki swiftly reasserted himself, finding his rhythm and reclaiming the top form he had shown six months earlier.
‘‘By the second half of the third round, he moved with calm authority, showcasing sharp instincts, disciplined footwork, and strategic
precision.
‘‘He adapted seamlessly to his opponent’s style, adjusted under pressure, and systematically took control of the bout.
‘‘His defensive awareness, flawless timing, and ability to exploit openings were a clear reflection of his boxing intelligence and the high
standard of his preparation.’’
Taafaki’s dominant performance was rewarded with a unanimous decision win.
Coach Taafaki gave credit to Fairbairn for accepting the challenge and making the contest possible.
‘‘This victory marks an important first step in what promises to be a busy and exciting year ahead.
‘‘With momentum now firmly behind him, Taafaki is prepared and eager to take on the best junior competitors from across Aotearoa and
Australia.’’
He said the team welcomed all willing challengers and encouraged interested parties to get in touch by contacting him directly or by emailing [email protected].
At the tournament Haifa Taafaki was also presented with a trophy by the Woolston Boxing Club after being named the novice female outstanding boxer at the South Island Championships.
