Boxing Southland Champs in 1978........

More than forty boxers were in Tuatapere in August 1978 to contest the annual Southland Boxing Championships. 
The best boxing will be seen in the junior ranks where the entries have been better than the senior division, but there was still good boxing to be seen.

Boxers that are competing are Michael Velenski, Steve Colvin, Tony Baglin, A. Buchanan, D. Hiroka, Geoffrey Peterson and Peter Warren.
Hiroka was runner up in the New Zealand championships last year and he fought so well in the final that the spectators felt that it was a forgone conclusion that he won but the judges saw it another way.  Stripped he will weigh in at 10st 4 lbs.
Geoffrey Peterson of Peterson's Gym in Dunedin is regarded as one of the most promising boxers in the Otago/Southland area.
Buchanan fought well in the golden gloves in Nelson earlier this year and was beaten on an alleged miscount of the judges cards. 
Riki Drew is another promising lightweight boxer trained by his father Jack Drew and is expected to be dominant in his grade.
Baglin is a strong customer and is on his way to passing his father, Bobby Baglin who was a professional boxer about 20 years ago.
Colvin is a strong 16 year old fighting at 9.10.  and will be aiming to win a title to finish off a good season.
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Reference:  The Southland Times August 1978