Cherine Henry warmed up for the Golden Gloves in Gore later this month with two wins from two fights at the Otago Boxing Association annual tournament on Saturday night.
The lanky 31-year-old featherweight (57-59kg) out-boxed Josie O'Reilly, from Christchurch, to win her opening bout, 15-10.
She returned later in the evening to outclass Invercargill's Michelle Blackie, 21-9.
Henry fought in Temuka last weekend as well and is trying to cram in as many fights as she can before the national tournament in Wellington later this year.
Her goal is to represent Otago at the nationals. Her next fight is at the Golden Gloves, where she will contest the South Island title.
A tall and willowy fighter, Henry used her height and reach to keep her opponents at a safe distance and skipped around them, landing a series of jabs.
OBA president Colin Falloon said it was not unusual for a competitor to fight twice in one night but Henry was a fit boxer and a determined character.
"The way she is going in her weight group, I can see quite a good future for her," Falloon said.
The night's most anticipated bout between Bowyn Morgan and Martin Mech did not disappoint.
Mech took Morgan by surprise in the opening round. His aggressive style put Morgan on the back foot and New Zealand's No 1-ranked welterweight was drawn into a brawl.
But Morgan responded with some skilful boxing and got the better of his opponent.
Mech's corner threw the towel in part way through the second round.
"It was very exciting even though it was just two rounds," Falloon said.
Heavyweight Tom Heads (Invercargill) scored the most convincing knockout of the night. He floored Jason Kainui, from Christchurch, and the boxer stayed down for more than a minute.
Heads had to help Kainui from the ring when it was discovered his opponent had broken his ankle in the fall. An ambulance had to be called, so it was it quite dramatic.
Falloon said the event was "an absolute success" with the 400-seat venue sold out.
"It was a really great tournament and the interesting thing for Otago was, out of the 16 boxers fighting, we had nine wins. I think that shows Otago is coming alive again."
