Otago fighters performed well enough at the national championships in Auckland last week but there is plenty of work ahead to get among the titles next year.
Queenstown's Martin Mech drew experienced campaigner and eventual champion Kahukura Bentson in the opening round of the elite 75kg class.
Bentson represented New Zealand at the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games and won an entertaining bout 32-22.
Otago Boxing Association president Colin Falloon said Mech held his own against a very talented opponent and was young enough to bounce back.
Promising boxer Siraya Wilson lost to Auckland's Deanna Carpenter in the final of the youth 69kg class and Sam Beck was defeated 27-18 by Canterbury's Tyrone Warren in round one of the youth 75kg class.
Three other Otago boxers competed at the nationals but fought under Manawatu's banner after missing selection for Otago.
Cherine Henry was beaten 26-22 by Auckland's Nikki Adams in the final of the elite women's 57kg class. Adams was named most scientific boxer.
Matt Crawford was well beaten by Luke Jefferies 18-8 in the final of the elite male 56kg class and Bridget Morton won the elite 48kg class unopposed.
