Ryley Sutherland and Hamuera Tainui were both part of a New Zealand development team that also got to train at the Australian Institute of Sport during their stay.
While both Ryley and Hamuera lost their respective bouts by split points decisions, it is hoped the opportunity will keep them in the sport and offer a pathway for promising boxers as they get older and push towards the senior ranks.
The pair backed up from recent success at the South Island Golden Glove titles by defeating their North Island equivalents to claim national honours in July.
Hamuera claimed the 66kg junior title, while Ryley won the 48kg cadet title.
Both have close family ties in the sport. Hamuera’s father and uncle both boxed for Woolston, while Sutherland has been coached by his father since the age of nine.
