Strength, speed and stamina will be put to the test during the Central North Island Boxing Championships today.The championships comprise 60 bouts and are being held at Sykes Boxing Gym, which is based at Budokan Rotorua.
There will be plenty of Rotorua boxers in taking part, representing Sykes, Rotovegas Boxing and the Central North Island Boxing Gym.
Sykes Boxing Gym owner Mike Sykes said it was one of the most important tournaments because it was the last one before the New Zealand Boxing Championships in October.
"It's going to be a really good weekend for boxing. There are heaps of good young boxers coming through and pushing for places at nationals.
"You can do all the training you want, but there's nothing like actually getting in the ring and fighting. It will be a good experience for a lot of these young boxers.