Boxing: Beck named most scientific fighter

Trainer Ryan Henry (left) with Dunedin boxers who achieved success at at the South Island Golden Gloves (from left) Awatea Henry (13), Dylan Short (21), Damion Ranginui  (19), Sam Beck (19), Bridgette Sefton (21), Rhiane Bishop (21) and trainer Eldon Clif
Trainer Ryan Henry (left) with Dunedin boxers who achieved success at at the South Island Golden Gloves (from left) Awatea Henry (13), Dylan Short (21), Damion Ranginui (19), Sam Beck (19), Bridgette Sefton (21), Rhiane Bishop (21) and trainer Eldon Clifton. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Otago boxers claimed six Golden Gloves titles at the South Island championships in Kaiapoi at the weekend.

Of all the boxers on display, perhaps Sam Beck, of the Otago Boxing Academy, was the most impressive.

The 19-year-old was named most scientific boxer after defeating team-mate Rhiane Bishop in the light-heavyweight final by unanimous decision.

Beck is the defending South Island middleweight champion but stepped up to fight in the light-heavyweight category when there was no-one to fight in his division.

He was matched up against towering (1.98m) Canterbury fighter Sunny Teki-Clark in his opening bout.

It was a big challenge for Beck, who likes to move and box from the outside. But with his opponent enjoying a significant reach advantage, he had to close the gap without taking too much punishment.

It was a daunting prospect, and Beck took some good shots.

But he managed to work away on the inside and won by split decision.

That set up a final with his team-mate, Bishop.

''You had two team-mates, two friends that ended up fighting for the light-heavyweight title,'' OBA coach Ryan Henry said.

Henry would normally be in the corner but got two other coaches to stand in for him.

''I told them [Sam and Rhiane] I don't have any favourites and to fight hard for the title and to try to outpoint each other. But I don't want you guys to knock each other out.''

OBA's Bridgette Sefton also had to step up a weight division and fought Southland's Tania Wehi for the light-heavyweight title. It was a four-round fight and she won by unanimous decision.

''She fought really smart. We worked a lot on her being up on her toes and just throwing straight punishes.''

OBA's Dylan Shaw and Damion Ranginui won titles in their respective novice categories and 13-year-old Awatea Henry won the cadet 60kg title unopposed.

OBA scooped five Golden Gloves titles and was the most successful club at the tournament for the third consecutive year.

Queenstown's Richard Hadlow won the light-welterweight title.

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