The Auckland Boxing Association kicked off its 2006 season on February 11th with a good crowd to see New Zealand supermiddleweight champion, Lee Oti (73.5kg), tangle with Tangilima Tapanuu (77kg).

Oti, who had taken time off from boxing to concentrate on rugby league, looked sharp and strong considering he had not been in the ring for 12 months. Even though he and Tangilima had once been gym-mates at Sains Gym in Otahuhu this bout was definitely no “workalong.” Both are hard punchers and they did their best to tear each other’s heads off over the four rounds. Oti won a clear points decision and it’s good to see this fine young prospect back in the fight game.

Controversial boxer Soulan Pownceby (80.8kg) was the star of the international amateur undercard, stopping Fijian opponent Tomasi Dago (77.8kg) in the third round. This was a big improvement on Soul’s previous performance this year when dropped a decision to Tongan representative Mokai Paraha.

NZ super-heavyweight champion Greg Weenik (100.8kg) won a clear-cut points decision over four rounds against Navi Gagoloaloa (90kg). The Fijian, who is based in NSW and claims the state title, was brimming with confidence but Weenik handled him easily but was puffing from the end of the third round. An ominous sign for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The third Commonwealth Games rep on display, Jamie Gardner (60.2kg), may have been a bit fortunate to win his contest. He absorbed a few to many swings from Fijian opponent Sepeti Qio (61.2kg) but proved his toughness and fitness by coming back at the end of each round to take a majority decision.

The best local amateur bouts was between Sean Kelly (Papatoetoe) and winner Isaac Brimblecombe (Kaipara). Kelly, who has lost the closest of decisions in four of his previous six fights, said afterwards: “Blow (or similar word) boxing, I’m going to do my future fighting in the army.” And has sign up for three years.