SBA and GYM NEWS

Do Not Fear To Take Risks - Challenge Is A Privilege

Rankings Challenge

14th, August

Aung Sanda has addressed his diet and fitness problem and should be a serious threat to lightweight champion Angus Donaldson when they clash in an amateur bout on the undercard to profesionals Afa Tatupu and Junior Pati on Aug14 at ABA Stadium, Ngahura St. Donaldson has automatic selection in his division at the Oceanias held this year in Australia, however should Aung Sanda bring the upset in August, Donaldson should still retain his position in the NZ squad because of consistant past performances. Junior sensation Kevin Meak should also make an appearance in this anticipated event should a suitable opponent be found in the month leading up to it.

SBA AGM June20

23rd June, 2010

Changes were made at the SBA Annual General Meeting on Sunday June20. Gail Foley resigned as Secretary making way for Simon Kelly to take up the reins. Simon was also elected to the dual role of Secretary/Treasurer. No surprises for the top spot however when Jim Johnstone was re-elected as President. Hayden Heta became Vice/President in a new line up in administration. The SBA is in good hands and augers well for the future.

SBA FITENITE AT ABA

8th May, 2010

As expected, King Afa Tatupu went true to form and annihilated Toa Naketoatama in less than 2minutes of a scheduled 4x3minutes affair. Naketoatama had taken Chauncy Welliver 12 rounds in his last encounter. Afa's raw power is developing and his ability to bring an exciting heavyweight spectacle whenever he's called to action. Afa's style and ability is improving as he goes along the road, as well as he hasn't yet been tested, his ability to cut down a fighter for the clean KO will improve in his will to do better.

Eric (no fear) Fuimaono Hunt did extremely well in controlling his bout against veteran Fijian heavyweight Oscar Talemaira in a four round encounter. Ringrust played a part in Eric's warmup to the task, as the rounds progressed he applied the pressure to expose Talemaira's chin and with the theatricals of a low blow he was almost certainly saved from the KO in round 4. Eric's potential as a prize fighter will certainly progress under strict training regimes and application. These two gym mates pose a daunting future on the lower echelons on the professional scene at this time as they look to rise in status as recognized heavyweights.

Lightweight Aung Sanda performed an amazing turnaround in his win/loss endeavors when he comprehensively beat Dayne Williams over three rounds in one of the most scientific fights of the night. These two have met three times now with Aung Sanda in the ascendancy. A great performance from the Burmese countryman, and looking forward to the year leading to the Nationals. Kevin Meak the Cambodian Shamrock battler weighing in at 53.7 did brilliant work in demolishing Tyrone Hill of Taupo in a 3rd round stoppage. Kevin had conceeded 7.1 kgs to beat the much bigger lad with power shots and conviction.

Yadana Sai in his 1st amateur bout against Winstone Horetehe from Attitude Boxing, did extremely well also in conceding 4.2 kgs and win the 1st two rounds before being stopped by the bigger lad in the 3rd in what appeared to be a premature stoppage by referee Bob lyall. Yadana, Another native of Burma Yadana is developing slowly and is a tough and durable fighter for the future.

The event was extraordinary where it brought four female bouts from all over NZ and one girl from Australia as well as interested parties. Amateur standouts were Aung Sanda, Kevin Meak, Magan Maka and Alexis Pritchard.

Shamrock Promotions

Auckland Boxing Assn Stadium, Ngahura St, Eden Trrce; May 8.

The venue is now changed to ABA Stadium for the showcase *Bigmeet* date for hot heavyweight puncher King Afa Tatupu's next professional appointment, 'King Afa' stopped experienced Vai Toevai inside two minutes of round one in his pro-debut at Mt Wellington Stadium on Feb26. King Afa's punching skills will again be tested by the durable and experienced southpaw Toa Nakatoatama in a 4x3 dual, Toa went ten rounds with famed Chauncy Welliver in his last outing in 2009. Another banger on the card fighting out of the Shamrock Boxing Gym in his pro debut is Eric 'no fear' Fuimaono-Hunt. Eric's opponent is still to be announced. The twin heavyweight billing will bring back to Auckland and New Zealand some power punching in the heavyweight division outside of the top contenders making current headlines. This prestigious event will also feature co promoter Chris Martin's cruiserweight eliminator Adam Riley over a 4x3 bout against Filipo Fonoti also of Auckland. Corporate bouts will also feature and add to the attraction of the promotion, plus leading Shamrock amateur lightweight and NZ contender Aung Sanda will also feature on the card along with Hurricane Doyle (Martins) the promising female middleweight prospect. Corporate seating will sell at $1000 per table of ten, this includes food and alcohol at table. the walk in price is $40 at door on the night or $30 pre sold from the gym or the pro fighters. Be in early to secure your seat at this prestigious promotion at Auckland's premiere boxing location in central Auckland.

King Afa

Mt Wellington Netball Stadium, Friday, Feb26

King Afa Tatupu in his 1st Pro fight easily defeated Vai Toevai In what was scheduled for a 4x3mins bout it took approximately two minutes of the 1st round for King Afa to halt proceedings. The King dropped Toevai 3 times to get the fight waved off. Afa caught Toevai with clean solid punches in the 1st stanza and Toevai went into panic mode, only to be caught again and sent to the canvas with educated power punching., the 3rd stanza had Toevai attempting to hold but King Afa suckered him to a right uppercut left hook combo to effectively end his evening at the stadium. Afa did well in his pro debut with the 1st round stoppage when it took experienced pros Monty Betham 6rds. Dominic Vea 2rds, Mark De Mori 3rds and Alex Leapai could only manage a UD over 4rds. Afa's corner: Ron Foley, Hayden Heta and Chris Martin.

SBA gym's action year

2nd February, 2010

Shamrock gym will see plenty of action through the boxing calendar of 2010. Afa Tatupu * Samoan Sadist * will make his pro debut at Mt. Wellington and launching a pro career. Aung Sanda will vigorously campaign the 60kgs ( Lightweight ) amateur senior ranking, Nathan Service in comeback mode after 18 months layoff will contest the senior ranks in the 75kg ( middleweight ) division, Sovantha Meak is all out in the 54kg ( bantamweight ) division, while Junior fighter Kevin Meak will go hard in the 57 kg ( Jnr Lightweight ) division. Youngster Kaleo Kaituu at 80 kgs is eyeing the Golden Gloves Junior spot. Registered new comers Simona Lokeni. Yuki Bond and Yadana Sai will be finding their mark this year. Amateur senior heavyweight Eric Fuimaono is looking to impress. SBA will have its own registered official to begin the season and welcomes Mrs Loviani Kaituu to its fold. The SBA gym is also happy to retain the services of coach Vili Tuitupou as well as incumbents Vasco Kovacevic and Hayden Heta. SBA has booked two Pro-Ams at Howick RSA premises the 1st on May8 and then August14.

Compliments of the season everyone, we hope the break has gone well for you as it has for us

8th January, 2010

The gym officially opens for business (general boxing and boxfit at usual times, and TipTop at 6AM) on Monday, January11. LET THE GAMES BEGIN. And now its down to business for the start of a busy year ahead for boxers and trainers as we begin with new expectations for an active year ahead.

Our first SBA general meeting in 2010 is scheduled for Sunday 17th January, 4pm at Shamrock gym. *The main agenda is our 1st SBA tournament of the year and indeed the 1st in 18months. The tournament is set to be held at the Howick RSA on February27.*

New members welcome.

New Challenge Office Direct

20th November, 2009

Tip Top office staff have again laid the gauntlet to office employees anywhere who fancy their chances in fistic duals with regards to age, weight and experience. Tip Top have now formed a new challenging group ( some previous members included) and adopted the title "Fight Club". The club gets into training over a set period of time twice weekly in a crash course of fitness and boxing coaching resulting in controlled good natured challenges at the courses conclusion. The Fight Club begins the new 8 week training course on Monday Nov23. at 6.15AM getting the 1st four weeks out of the way before Christmas. "Fight Club" coordinator and leading contender John Martin is the organizer with SBA for this fitness and conditioning programme.

The new way to appropriate good friendships while developing life skills and fitness.

National Boxing Champs, Rotorua 8-10 October 2009

11th October, 2009

Aung Sander and Sovantha Meak were the sole Shamrock contenders at this National boxing meet at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua.

Aung Sanda weighing in under 64kgs in the Elite L/W division, faced Nuka Gemmell (Waikato) in the 1st session in bout 3. The result of the bout was a draw on the computer scoring system which went to a Judges preferance and the fight awarded to Nuka Gemmell. Aung Sanda was in his 4th bout after a layoff for three years was two points up at the end of round two but failed to hold the lead in the final round.

Sovantha Meak a small featherweight faced experienced Stacy Meehan of Manawatu on the 2nd day of the tournament in session four. Coming into only his 2nd fight after a three year absence, Savantha did well to keep himself in the fight for the initial 2 rounds, however managed to draw the scoring a bit closer to lose 15-9 to Meehan.

Ex Shamrock 70kgs female star Daena Stephenson fighting out of John McKays gym under Central Auckland Boxing Assn went down to a severe beating from ABAs Magan Maka with a score of 17-6. Maka dominated Stephenson throughout with a shutout in the 3rd round. Kieran Foley and Kevin Meak were withdrawn from the contest through injury.

Waikato Champs, Te Aroha Raceway

12th September, 2009

With only two fights under his belt in three years and weighing in 3kgs lighter than his adversary, Burmese born Aung Sander faced NZ No1. Light welter weight champion Nuka Gemmell in the semi final in bout 5 of the tournament. Sanda, still shaking off ringrust fought exceedingly well to be ahead after Rd2 outscoring Gemmell with speed and never forgotten ringcraft, the 3rd and final round however proved the fitness and conditioning of current No1 Gemmell who had just completed a stint at the Canberra Institute of Sport, winning the fight by split decision. A great comeback fight from Sanda who will now have his sights on improving his fight stamina in thethree weeks until the National Champs in Rotorua.

The Shamrock Assn team to the National Champs is Kieran Foley - Welterweight 69kgs Elite Aung Sanda - LightWelter 64kgs Elite Sovantha Meak - 57kgs Elite Kevin Meak - 52kgs Cadet

The Showdown

2nd August, 2009

Seven valiant men and one woman turned out in the wee hours of Thursday morning July30 to don mouthguards, headgear and boxing gloves to enter the ring and settle the dispute of who is the greatest gladiator and fistic champion in the Auckland offices of Tip Top Ice-cream Company. The showdown after twelve weeks of an early morning training stint and crash course at the Shamrock Boxing Assn Gym in Pilkington Rd, Panmure.

The completed training routines were done in good natured, team spirit comradery culminating in a box off in the final session. The original plan was to create an atmosphere where they come together as a team bonding in fitness training and stimulated by a one on one fun rivalry boxing programme.

As team liaison officer and Ceo John Martin described it ˇ°it was excellent in team building morale, we all enjoyed it so much and it has played a great bonding effect with us all, we all get on so very well and this venture has helped tremendously. Going through the programme we were a little concerned at the outcome of the finals session, but this proved groundless as our fears were allayed by excellent comradery and the control of the gym coaches.ˇ±

ˇ°Thanks to a renewed sense of wellbeing and gaining fitness coupled with some weight loss and the pleasure of being together as a team in the gym plus on the job and after hours, we decided to build our numbers back up to twelve and take a break for a couple of weeks before starting again with a six weeks programme on improving our skills and building on conditioning and fitness. Thanks to Ron and Vasco for organizing the programme, we really look forward to continuing.

Tip Top's final showdown

29th July, 2009

The dark hours of Thursday morning July30 will see the final 10 members of the 12 originals get out of their beds and take a hot drink before heading down to the Shamrock Boxing Gym to do battle with their work colleagues for bragging rights at the office. These grimfaced enthusiasts having spent nine grueling weeks in fitness and conditioning training and honing their skills in the fine art of self defense have reached the pinnacle of their intentions, change of lifestyle, getting fit, and taking part in a challenging pastime never before ventured.

The past twelve weeks has been a time of rising early and adhering to strict discipline before departing for home again to shower have breakfast and turnup for work where the banter continuesˇ­. The ten grand finalists nine men and one woman will duke it out in pairs while the rest look on to this the close of a goodhearted team building venture where they have brought their challenging lifestyle change to fruition in the sense of wellbeing and comradeship in jocular good natured rivalry..

The team will be set to renew their contract with Shamrock after a well earned two weeks downtime.

Team events at the Shamrock

10th July, 2009

Office staff at TipTop Icecream have been discovering the other side of life at Shamrock gym early morning sessions for the past nine weeks. The nine week 6AM start twice a week just completed is part of a twelve week fitness and skills programme set to enhance fitness and explore the rudiments of a pastime not ever before contemplated by this enthusiastic twelve man squad, (two women). The participants come from homes all over Auckland and one man leaving home at 5AM from half way further up the Island to get there on time. The comradery and bonding as a team has been paramount and some members of the quad are finding abilities in the sport of boxing they never knew they had and as one member said "its getting to know yourself".

Even though a twelve week two day one hour programme can only at best be seen as a crash course in the noble art of self defence, these aspiring contenders are preparing for a light hearted box-off at the end of it in three weeks and are eyeing their prospective challenges. Three weeks to go, and it is fun time at the Shamrock with a fitter, happier, brighter and much more aligned and bonded team from the TipTop office staff.

New SBA President

16th June, 2009

Mr Jim Johnstone was voted unanimously as SBA President on Saturday June13 at the SBA Annual General Meeting after past president Ron Foley stepped down after two years at the post. Jim is managing director of TDM (Truck Diesel and Marine).

Super Heavyweights and the pecking order!

11th May, 2009

The ABA Stadium on Friday May8 witnessed the coming together of current Shamrock super heavyweight Afa Tatupu and former Shamrock super Eric Fuimanono (now at Aiga Gym in Mangere) square up for what promised to be a heavy punch fest of two big men vying for honors to represent their division as top dog at the upcoming North Island Golden Gloves Championships at Taupo.

They approached each other cautiously at the bell, Tatupu deciding to attack 1st tagging Fuimanono with a solid left-hook, the hook proved convincing and opened the way for Tatupu to get a strong combination off and score an 8 count on his opponent inside the 1st minute of the round, ref Paul McSharry recommenced the fight with Fuimanono throwing a big right missing the target but dislocating his shoulder and rendering him unable to continue resulting in the fight being awarded to Afa Tatupu on merit of the 8 count scored earlier. A good and impressive start by Tatupu in the fight and unfortunate for Fuimanono who has suffered setbacks with his shoulder on other occasions. Afa, having won his 5th fight by 1st round stoppage (co-incidental) now proceeds to fight at the Golden Gloves at Taupo on May23.

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