Boxing trip cancelled

Press, 30 May 1985, Page 34

Boxing trip cancelled

PA Wellington The New Zealand Boxing Association has had to abort plans to send a five-strong amateur team to Wales and Northern Ireland next month. The association chairman, Mr Trevor Mitchell, said the association could not meet team prerequisites nor cover costs. “The Irish wanted us to include a flyweight and lightweight in the team. There are none of good enough standard,” he said.

“We also lack the financial resources to cover expenses.” The team, along with a coach and manager, were to depart on Monday week. It was to fight in Wales on June 14 and Ulster on June 18 and 21. “It is a disappointment to us, and to the Irish,” Mr Mitchell said. An Irish team toured New Zealand last year, from whence the invitation came. It was extended to an Australian team which New

Zealand would have met on tour. Mr Mitchell said the N.Z.B.A. was now trying to organise a trip to Fiji in late July-early August as compensation. He said some of amateur boxing’s lesser lights would be matched against a Yugoslav team in an Auckland showcase in mid-July, and that there would be places for New Zealanders in the Oceania team to attend the World Cup tournament in Seoul in October.