Boxing: da Silva gives himself fighting chance

New Zealand amateur heavyweight boxing champion Garth da Silva believes he is best shape of his career and has had a faultless preparation for the world championships which start this weekend in Houston, Texas.

Now the challenge for da Silva, ranked among the world's top three heavyweights, is to convert that confidence into compelling performances in the ring.

He didn't know yesterday who he would face in his first bout today.

"There's about 25 [heavyweights] entered now but they're still coming in," da Silva said. "I recognised half the names. With the random draw I have to be prepared to fight anyone at any stage."

The draw is not seeded because boxing "is one of those sports where you can win by a lucky punch so they put everyone on a level playing field," he said.

About 300 boxers are entered in the overall event, which serves as an opportunity to attract interest from professional boxing scouts - and to push for selection at next year's Sydney Olympics.

Da Silva's preparation has included the best of two boxing cultures. He trained among professionals in Denver for a month and has lately been involved with the eight-man England amateur squad which has also headed for Houston.

"To train with the English is the best preparation I've had for any tournament. Everything is in my favour - now it's up to me to do my best."

The intensity of six months training and the heat posed the only difficulty - he found it hard to maintain his weight.

However, the English squad's nutritionist has monitored Da Silva and helped him to maintain tip-top condition.

Training and sparring with the English also proved technically beneficial.

"I've worked on my foot speed and defence. I know how to attack but I have to do it at the right time and prevent the other guys scoring points," da Silva said.

He aimed to win a medal and make the top four in his division.

Despite his triumph at the prestigious Liverpool Cup tournament in early June - the best result of his career - da Silva said he has yet to prove himself on the world stage. "That was my best result, but not my best performance. I'd like to put both together." - NZPA