Boxing: Four in team for Manchester

New Zealand will send four boxers to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in July and August.

The team named yesterday comprised Feilding heavyweight Shane Cameron, Auckland welterweight Daniel Codling, Auckland light-middleweight Kahu Bentson and Wellington light-welterweight Daniel Headifen.

All four met the stipulated selection criteria of winning gold medals or losing a final by no more than three points at the Oceania championships in Taupo last month.

Headifen, Bentson and Cameron won their divisions and Codling collected a silver medal when beaten by one point in his final.

Codling and Bentson have the most international experience of the team, with both winning gold medals at the Arafura Games in Darwin last year.

Bentson won the Jameson Belt for being the most scientific boxer at the 2000 national championships and has not been beaten for nearly two years.

Cameron began boxing while in England a few years ago. He was being touted as a possible England representative until he returned to New Zealand, where he has since made rapid progress.

He captured the New Zealand heavyweight title last year when he also became the first heavyweight to win the Jameson Belt.

Boxing New Zealand chairman Keith Walker believed the team contained plenty of talent.

"I believe that the team selected has made the step to international competition and could return home with medals."

- NZPA