Nicola-Ann Kay's biggest boxing career challenge to date did not last one round, but it has left her more determined than ever.
Kay, of Queenstown, fought Auckland's Hurricane Doyle in Christchurch over the long weekend in the Oceania qualifying trials, but Doyle proved to be too fast and aggressive for the Macalister Todd Phillips law firm employee.
Her coach, Stewart Mitchell, said that Kay had struggled from the outset of the match because of the "sheer force" of Doyle's punches and the fight had been stopped by the referee in the first round.
"Unfortunately, Hurricane Doyle was too strong and seasoned for Nikki.
"She tried to keep her away with the jab but there was just not enough force behind it to deter her."
The referee had given a standing count as Kay could not fire back or get out of the way quickly enough, and when fighting resumed, Doyle was straight back, which overwhelmed the Queenstown competitor.
"Nikki was gutted afterward due to all the hard work she had put in, but will be back from this stronger and even more determined." Mitchell said.
Kay had been adamant Doyle should not get a free pass for the World Championships later this year and stepped up to the fighting ring to try stop her.
"As a coach, I am really proud."
Kay, a 75kg middleweight, has a six from nine win:defeat ratio in the amateur class.
He said the goal now was to get to the nationals in Auckland at the end of the year.
"The experience, whilst unpleasant today, will be the making of her tomorrow.
"All boxers experience a defeat that tests their character and belief. This is just another fight and another day in the life of a boxer."
The 25-year-old's next boxing move is to Dunedin on March 10 to compete in the Otago regional tournament.
Mitchell will be holding an open morning on February 18 at Fight Science for junior boxers up to the age of 11 and their parents for an introduction to the free boxing classes he will be running throughout March.
"We are only looking for kids who would like to consider competing . . . we aim to build character in and out of the ring," Mr Mitchell said.
