It was not a good start for three Otago boxers, who suffered losses in their opening bouts at the New Zealand Boxing Championships at Lower Hutt yesterday.
Jamie Dick, fighting in the youth welterweight division, was beaten by defending champion Tyrone Warren, of the Central North Island, 23-13 on points.
Otago Boxing Association president Colin Falloon said Dick put up a courageous fight after unknowingly suffering a broken rib in the first round.
He said the fact Dick was able to go the distance against such a strong fighter showed he had a "ton of guts".
Junior welterweight Sam Beck was beaten by Auckland's Caleb Lloyd after the referee stopped the fight in the second round.
Falloon said Beck tried hard but was no match for an impressive Lloyd.
Martin Mech lost a points decision to Central Auckland's Dreadyn Bhana, 22-18.
Falloon said it was a tough loss to swallow as he and many in the crowd thought Mech deserved the win.
"Martin and I thought he had won but that's the way it goes".
