Cup basher issues Team NZ challenge

WHANGAREI - The man jailed for bashing the America's Cup is out to do the same to someone from the team that holds it.

But this time Dargaville's Ben Nathan wants to do it properly - inside the boxing ring.

Nathan, who has had boxing training for about three months, makes his ring debut next month and wants someone from Team New Zealand to be his opponent.

"I'm issuing a challenge to Team New Zealand to send someone up to get in the ring with me - bring it on," he said.

Nathan's coach, boxing writer and commentator Jim Mahoney, said he was "absolutely" serious about getting a Team New Zealand challenger for Nathan.

However, a Team New Zealand spokeswoman said they had "more important things to organise" and would not take up the challenge. "The past is the past, though, and we wish him well in his new career."

Nathan attacked the America's Cup with a sledgehammer in 1997, saying it stood for everything he despised about Pakeha.

He caused $54,000 of damage and was sentenced to two years and 10 months' jail, although the sentence was later reduced.

Mahoney said Nathan had a "fair amount of talent" and had progressed well in his training.

Along with Nathan, the July 29 event features New Zealand amateur super heavyweight champ Star Tauasi and a professional bout featuring "Ngapuhi Warrior" Jamie Waru against kickboxer John Conway.- NZPA