The Auckland Provincial Amateur Boxing Championships held at the ASA Stadium on Thursday August 26 had only 16 nominations, which resulted in just five bouts, the poorest turnout in living memory and shows the state of amateur boxing in New Zealand. Just ten years ago the Auckland Champs held to be held over two sessions, an afternoon and evening session. And ten years prior to that they had to be held over two days. Luckily for the Auckland Boxing Association the pro fight turned out to be a willing affair. Two newcomers in Hemi Brown (89.3kg) and Junior Patti (94kg) stood toe-to-toe for four rounds.

Brown, who is 34 years old, is one of those characters that every gym in the world has. A physical fitness fanatic, who spars with everybody in the gym, and always threatens to have a fight but never quite makes the mark. When Junior Patti's original opponent pulled out just 24 hours before fight time, Northside's gym owner Peter Derrick, where Hemi trains, offered his services. Brown took the fight, albeit with mixed feelings, and won handily on points.

Patti, of the hands-low school of boxing, swung away lustily for the duration while Brown worked way steadily.

After the contest Brown thanked all concerned but added that was his first and last fight.