Boxing: Karaka to fight for world title

Mother-of-three Wena Karaka finally gets the world boxing title shot she wants in Auckland's Downtown Convention Centre tomorrow night against Dutch belt-holder Mareisha Sjauw.

The junior welterweight contest over 10 two-minute rounds will be a step up for Kaitaia-born Aucklander Karaka, who usually fights over six rounds.

The 36-year-old holder of the Pan Pacific belt - whose fight record so far is two wins, one draw, one loss - is not worried about the extra distance or the fact that she knows little of the Dutchwoman's style other than that Sjauw likes to mix it.

"I like to fight too, it's what I've been training for," she said.

The twice-delayed bout will be witnessed by the president of the World Women's Boxing Association, Barbara Butterick-Smith, of the United States.