Two wins for Northlanders ahead of big event

Deanne Carpenter

Northland boxers Magan Maka and Deanne Carpenter notched up wins at the Golden Gloves event in Taupo ahead of next weekend's international boxing event in Whangarei.

The duo's wins come as perfect preparation ahead of next Saturday's Boxing Explosion 3 event, hosted by the Whangarei Boxing Gym, at the ASB Leisure Centre.

Also taking part in the Golden Gloves event last weekend, and also boxing next weekend, was Josh Bowman who knocked down his Commonwealth Games opponent despite losing.

Whangarei Boxing Gym owner Tim Bowman said the Northlanders were all in good form, especially Josh who he felt was unlucky not to come away with the win.

Wellsford's Commonwealth Games bound Maka had a strong night, meaning her opponent for next weekend needs to be reassessed.

Tim said preparations for next weekend's event were well under way although there were still a few corporate tables remaining.

For people who want to get in on the action, 10-person ringside corporate tables are available for $1200 or there are $30 tickets available for adults and $10 each for kids. To book a table or find out more, contact Tim on 027 333 3453.

In other boxing news, Kiwi Kali Meehan - who toured Northland in the build-up to the event - won the Super 8 heavyweight boxing tournament with a first-round knockout victory over England's Michael Sprott in the final in Henderson on Wednesday night.

Meehan, who was once a world title contender, landed a collection of heavy blows to Sprott, with a couple appearing to connect with the back of the head.

After Sprott went to the canvas at Trusts Arena a second time, his corner threw in the towel and Meehan claimed the $200,000 first prize.