Boxing: Got bronze - now for the big gold

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Danny Codling's long friendship with David Tua has blossomed to the extent that the 23-year-old Aucklander is poised to become Waiheke Island's most famous export.

Codling flies to the United States on Sunday week to join the professional ranks after a 73-fight amateur career which culminated in a bronze medal at this year's Manchester Commonwealth Games.

A latecomer into boxing as a 16-year-old after playing rugby and league, he has a special affinity with Tua and his manager Kevin Barry.

"I suppose being half-Samoan brings us a bit closer," said Codling. "It was a bit surreal when I first went to Kevin's gym as I had always idolised Tuaman. When I first met David we gelled immediately.

"He has been like a brother to me.

"David has proved someone from New Zealand can make it on the world stage. I would love to do the same."

Tua paid for Codling to fly to the US to see his world title fight with Lennox Lewis. Codling also spent time with Tua and Barry at their Las Vegas base on his way back to New Zealand after the Commonwealth Games.

"It was a great experience and it made me keener to go back."

Codling, who will continue to fight as a welterweight, will be subjected to stringent medical tests before he signs as a professional.

At 183cm (6ft), Codling is tall for a welterweight.

That gives him a height and reach advantage, but it also means he has to work hard to stay under the weight limit.

As an amateur he had to weigh-in at under 67kg.

Once he turns professional that limit is reduced to 66.6kg.

"We brought Danny on board three or four years ago and have monitored his progress," said Barry.

"While we were pleased with his bronze medal at the Games, we felt that if we'd had more time to work with him, it might have been a different colour.

"We will be working hard to try to get him on the undercard of David's next fight at the end of November or early in December.

"Before that, Danny will be training three times a day and will have the same resources as David.

"It is a huge opportunity for him. "There are plenty of guys who love to have the chance."