Boxing: Mother relishes world boxing title shot

By PETER JESSUP

New Zealand is about to host its first boxing world title fight.

No, not David Tua, who still needs the backing of boxing authorities to have his ranking and title-shot timing confirmed.

It is Northland mother-of-three Wena Karaka, who has the chance to become the first Kiwi international boxing champion since Bob Fitzsimmons. The 36-year-old Karaka was yesterday invited by the Women's Boxing Federation to challenge for the welterweight title held by Holland's Marisha Sjauw.

Karaka, who fought in New Zealand's first officially sanctioned women's bout, against Waiheke Island kickboxer Debbie Grogan at Sky City in March 1997, has three wins from four bouts.

Her last appearance was for the Australasian welterweight title, which resulted in a points loss to the heavier Sharon Anyos of Australia.

Karaka said yesterday that she was "rapt - it's a chance in a million."

Her husband and trainer, Rupene Karaka, said the title opportunity had come about because others ranked higher than his wife had knocked the late December chance back.

"Maybe they didn't want a black eye for Christmas," he said.

He had no worries that his wife would not be a picture of loveliness for the family day on Christmas Day, just a week after the scheduled fight date of December 18.

"If I thought she was going to get punched around I wouldn't want her to do it," he said.

The former karate and judo competitor could look after herself well and he was confident of her chances, especially since European champion Sjauw had agreed to an Auckland venue if that could be arranged in time.

"Maybe we can finally make some money out of this," he said.

Wena Karaka was similarly motivated and sure she would win despite knowing little of her opponent apart from one videotape from Europe.

"You don't do all that training for nothing. You have to be confident otherwise why get in the ring?" she said.

For no money, why does she get in the ring?

"It's entertainment for me, I enjoy it. Boxing is the ultimate sport.

"I waited a long time for the chance. Hopefully if everything goes all right with this one I won't have to look for opponents any more - they'll be looking for me."

Her children, a 17-year-old daughter and sons aged 15 and 14, were fully supportive. "They love it - their mates are always asking about me."

Rupene Karaka, with a background in the sport, said boxing was a matter of speed, strength and stamina and that at 36, Wena had to make the most of this shot.

"There's nothing wrong with her speed, I'm sure she'll be OK, she's still running like a V8."