Craig has been named in a 13-strong New Zealand team which will contest the Oceania boxing championships in Canberra from August 5 to 8.
He is the only fighter from the Otago region to be selected.
A veteran of 59 amateur bouts, the 27-year-old fought at the tournament in 2007, losing to the eventual silver medallist.
According to his coach, Craig, who fights out of the New Zealand Fight and Fitness Academy in Dunedin, has improved since then.
"I think he's a more focused fighter this year and is capable of achieving far greater results," Clifton said.
"His skill level has lifted hugely. Referees and judges have noted to me his lift in skill and work rate. He has as good a chance as any other international [of winning a medal]."
Craig is short for a heavyweight but makes up for his lack of height with an aggressive technique, bobbing and weaving his way forward.
It is that style which has endeared him to crowds.
"He's an explosive puncher and has a non-stop fighting style. He crowds opponents and goes forward the whole fight. He's also very skilful at evading punches."
Craig scored an impressive 22-12 win against the much bigger Tom Heads in the Southland championships in Invercargill last weekend, so he is in good form.
Last year, he took some time off and since returning, he is more focused and determined.
And his coach is pushing him harder.
"I'm taking a firmer grip of the steering wheel as far as his training goes and, put it this way, he is more focused than in previous years.
"When the bell goes he flies in and starts slipping and bobbing and punching back. He is a crowd-pleaser."
