Boxers from across the South Island will slug it out when the Otago Boxing Association holds its annual tournament in Dunedin today.
Twenty of the 28 boxers in 14 fightscome from Otago clubs.
OBA president Colin Falloon said he was pleased with the high number of local boxers competing and it showed the sport was growing in popularity.
He said the aim of the tournament was to give local boxers an opportunity to display their skills and gauge their progress.
"I am hoping for some good performances," Falloon said.
The Otago clubs competing are New Zealand Fight and Fitness Academy, Olympic gym, Rowes gym and Queenstown's Fight Science.
Falloon said there would be plenty of rivalry between the Otago clubs as many were matched up against each other.
One of those fights will be a welterweight contest between Dunedin woman Bridget Sefton (NZFFA) and Queenstown's Nicky-Ann Kay.
Falloon said Sefton would be competing in just her second tournament since having a two-year break and he was eager to see how she went.
In the only other female fight, Dunedin's Siraya Wilson (Olympic gym) will fight Nelson's Natalie Stewart in a welterweight fight.
Falloon said he expected big things from this bout. He said when Wilson fought at the golden gloves, in Gore, earlier this year she knocked her opponent out.
"In all my eight years of judging, I have never seen a girl knock another out before, so it was a real surprise and very impressive."
Another interesting fight should be the lightweight bout between Dunedin's Cameron Young (NZFFA) and Ashburton's Christian Tikao.
Falloon said Young, who qualified for the New Zealand team last year but did not make the final cut, had not had a fight this year.
"I am really excited about what this guy can do and hopefully he shows that on Saturday."
Another fight Falloon had high hopes for was a middleweight bout between Dunedin's Sam Beck (NZFFA) and Michael Pope, of Invercargill.
He said Beck (16) was a talented fighter who could have a long career in the sport.
Clubs have traveled from Invercargill and as far north as Nelson to take part.
The tournament starts at the King's High School performing arts theatre at 1pm.
