Jayden Downs talent as a boxer shone through at the New Zealand Boxing Nationals held in Auckland last week. While he participated he found it a bit of a challenge to remain in his lighter weight division. Jaydens energy levels were peaked prior to the final of 38 kg category despite not having much to eat to remain at the ideal weight. Jayden was confident that he had done everything he possibly could to win his fight. His opponent Anaru Shannon put on a good show and pushed Jayden hard he ended up coming out on top winning the fight 23 – 14.
Moana Tahuriorangi has only been boxing a year and even though she won the 40 kg national title last year, this year her sights were set on the 50kg title. While it was her opponent Hinehou Flanagan’s first fight she managed to keep up but in the second round Moana’s skills shone through ending the fight before the third round bell.
In the 75kg men’s final, Tyrone Warren hadn’t fought for over a year while his opponent Ethan Kulatea a member of the NA team had just returned from overseas. Tyrone had only 4 weeks to prepare the fight and that was obvious. In the end Ethan Kulatea proved too fit for his opponent winning his 35-22.