Hard knocks to national dreams for Beazley (+video)

When Rotorua's Diane Beazley discovered boxing at 14, she invested all her time and focus in a sport that she says changed her life.

The determined fighter went on to become the No 1 ranked female boxer in New Zealand in the lightweight 81kg division before her retirement in 2011.

"I had a very tough upbringing and boxing offered a release from that," Beazley said. "I remember the first time when I stepped in the gym - I loved the sound of the gloves hitting the bag and the skipping ropes winding up.

"The sport helped me stay out of trouble and I owe everything to it. Boxing is a part of me."

Since handing up her gloves the 39-year-old has turned her hand to coaching and was recently selected as the New Zealand women's boxing assistant coach to accompany the national development squad to China.

Beazley flies out today for a 10-day training camp and AIBA tournament, with head coach Cam Todd and the side hosted by the Tangshan Boxing Federation of China Jiujiang Boxing club - with the likes of Russia and Australia competing.

"It was a huge honour to get that call," Beazley said. "This is a great opportunity for the up and coming boxers of this country and the tournament in China could really put them on the map.

"My aim is to give the squad the best advice possible and use the experience I've had in the ring. It's going to be a very tough 10 days but this country needs to see how the likes of Russia are performing to help our own development.

"Female boxers in this country don't get enough exposure - a lot of the focus is on the men but something like this certainly has the opportunity to open doors to the female talent in New Zealand."

Beazley, the head coach at Rotorua's Beazley Boxing Sports, Health and Fitness gym, said her primary aim in the future was to aid in the development of female boxers.

She has already made a mark in the local community, training the likes of up and coming youngster Maea Hay.

But she has grand plans for the future - including running an all-female gym and becoming the highest ranked female Maori coach in the country's history.

"Females have come a long way in the sport in a short space of time. I mean it was only in 2012 that it was made an official Olympic sport.

"But there aren't enough female boxers. Simple as that. It's a crying shame because it can do so much for you as a person," Beazley said.

"My own personal story shows that. It greatly helped with my confidence, determination and goal setting in life.

"I want to help this sport progress forward. A dream would be to find and develop a New Zealand international champion female boxer. I know I've got a lot of work to do but I have the aim and drive to make it happen."

2016 New Zealand women's development squad:

Rangi Hetet
Selena Mcphee
Tasmyn Benny
Leah Meagher
Nardene Shatford
Nikita Arnold
Faasu Loia
Baylee MacDonald
Shylah Waikai

Head coach: Cam Todd
Assistant coach: Diane Beazley