Neli following in the family tradition

Rookie boxer Neli Handscomb-Johnson knows exactly what to expect in her biggest test to date this weekend.

The Motueka High School student is off to Blenheim for the South Island Golden Gloves and will face the same opponent from her debut two months ago. Neli, 16, and Waimate’s Francis Taafaki are the only two entries in the 80+kg junior novice section.

“She beat me in Christchurch. It was a good fight though, and I have improved since then,” declares Neli, after sparring with former national amateur champion Christine “Gatling Gun” Gillespie at her GGG gym at the Waimea Old Boys rugby complex.

“I enjoy getting in the ring to train with Chrissie as she doesn’t hold back.” Neli is keeping up the family tradition as her father, and coach, Simi Johnson, was a North Island Golden Gloves champion.

“I am just proud that she is getting in there and doing it. Neli can turn the tables if she puts her heart into it,” insists Simi, who runs the Motueka Fragile Boxing gym.
As for the teenager’s style in the ring.

“I just go with the flow and can take a punch.” Meanwhile, a former Motueka High School student Nikora Hedlund will contest the 70kg youth open section in Blenheim. The 17-year-old has returned to train with Christine Gillespie and has won four of his seven fights.

Nikora switched to rugby last year, playing for Kahurangi U17, but now he has the gloves back on and is setting his sights on the nationals in September. “I was glad to have him back. He is naturally talented, trains harder now and is more disciplined,” maintains Christine.