Big hearted little fighter ready for gold

At just 35kgs, Hunter Walker will be the lightest boxer competing in one of amateur boxing’s biggest tournaments at King’s Birthday weekend. The 13-year-old is fronting up with two other fighters in the cadet class, 36-38kgs, at the annual South Island Golden Gloves tournament over in Blenheim which has attracted more than 100 entries.

“While I love training, I like fighting even more,” declares the Waimea College student after sparring under the watchful eye of his coach Christine “Gatling Gun” Gillespie in her GGG gym at Jubilee Park in Richmond.

“From day one when he came in, Hunter just wanted to fight. It is hard being smaller. He has to take on bigger guys but he is willing to do that,” enthuses Christine.

“I’ve had three fights, lost the last two but I am improving all the time. I like to come in and jab and follow that up with a body shot,” warns the Richmond pocket rocket who is hoping for two bouts in Blenheim.

GGG Boxing is also represented by former Waimea College student Nikora Hedlund. “I had four fights in 2023 but played rugby instead last year. I have stopped that because I didn’t want to get hurt,” says Nikora, who impressed at age grade level for Kahurangi. “I was lazy and I needed something to do in life so I came back to Chrissy’s gym and now all I do is work and train.”

The 17-year-old’s mentor has noticed the difference. “He used to be doing things he shouldn’t but Nikora has come back with a vengeance. He is far more disciplined and is eyeing the national champs later this year. I was happy to have him back as he is naturally talented,” enthuses Christine about the Motueka 70kg boxer who won his latest bout in Kaikōura earlier this month.

He’s dropped down from the 75kg class and knows he will be fighting more experienced rivals at that weight, in the youth open section, as he seeks his fifth career win. The Golden Gloves will bring back memories for Christine, a former national champion.

“It is nice going to these old tournaments I used to fight in. But one thing hasn’t changed, finding enough competition,” says the 34-year-old, who is struggling for local opponents in the professional ranks. “There are lots of women fighting in the 52.5kg class in Australia so I might pop over there and have a crack at them. I reckon I have another year or two of competing myself and then I will hang up the gloves and concentrate on coaching the boys,” concludes the boxing trainer whose charges are big fans of her no-nonsense style.

Meanwhile, another Richmond gym, Dixon’s Boxing, will also have two representatives in Blenheim. The impressive Lydia Green will compete in the elite novice 70kg section where she will face West Coaster Mia Brake. Lydia has already beaten her twice this year which highlights the struggle to get fresh competition. At least she has an opponent, while Ashley Belk looks set to win the 48kg elite open section unopposed.