Boxing: Nine Kiwi boxers in Oceania semifinals

New Zealand boxers scored five victories in the Oceania championships in Tahiti on Wednesday night.

Three of the wins came against highly ranked Australians, putting nine Kiwis into the championship semifinals.

Canterbury heavyweight Garth da Silva stopped Australian No 1 John Vaughan in the fourth round.

Da Silva, who trained in the United States before the championships, impressed with his body shots and completely dominated the contest by the fourth round. He was ahead by 17 points when the fight was stopped.

Auckland heavyweight Angus Shelford beat Tahitian Ian Coody on points in a tough encounter, while Robert Walker, of Rotorua, outclassed Australian No 2 David Ross in a welterweight clash.

Walker was leading 18-3 when the fight was stopped in the third round.

Another welterweight, Aucklander Daniel Codling, displayed class when he beat Australian No 1 Brian Sylvester on points. Sylvester could not handle Codling's long left hooks.

Emmett Gradwell outboxed his Papua New Guinea opponent in a welterweight contest, while Aucklander Jo Jo Tipace and Central North Island's Kalolo Fiaui are through to the semis following byes.
- NZPA