Sideline Sid Sports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz

While Sideline Sid is having a busy time, following sport in the Western Bay and beyond, it is boxing that is grabbing his attention at present.

On Saturday night, local professional boxer Gunnar (The Stunna) Jackson continued to improve his record in a bout with Auckland veteran pro Harry Venka. The Jackson fight was the main event in another great night organised by the Tauranga Boxing Club.

The successful Tauranga Boxing fight nights are built upon an entree of corporate bouts, followed by Gunnar Jackson putting is reputation on the line in combat. The Tauranga Boxing Club corporate bouts give local wanabe boxers, of similar weight and ability, the opportunity to test their courage in the ring.

It is always a daunting challenge for first-time boxers when they climb into the ring for their debut fight. The key to success in the local corporate competition is the training provided to aspiring boxers by Tauranga Boxing Club mentor Chris Walker.

Jackson is about to embark on a fight that could propel him into the top echelon rankings of the World Boxing Organisation – and Saturday's stoush with Harry Venka was just the warm-up he required.

The Tauranga boxer has signed contracts to fight Fijian man Opeti Taga on Black Friday (December 13) in Auckland. At stake will be the vacant WBO Oriental Middleweight title, with the winner taking a prominent ranking in WBO Middleweight world rankings.

With a 24 bout record of 17 wins, four losses and three draws, the title bout could be a career-defining opportunity for Jackson. At the moment, he is a big fish in a smaller pond, with victory in the title decider likely to gain interest from overseas promoters.

Last Saturday's contest, with Harry Venka, saw Jackson come up against a wily veteran who knows all the tricks in the book. With the Auckland pugilist coming off a long break with fitness being an issue, he pushed and shoved and held on for dear life when Gunnar made his attacks.

However, it was a good lesson for the local pugilist – as he will find plenty of dirty tactics if he makes it onto the big stage.

The big talking point in New Zealand boxing at present is the further comeback of David Tea on Saturday night. Tua has as many comebacks as Sideline Sid has had cups of tea, with each claiming to be a career-defining fight. Saturday night should tell us whether he is over the hill or ready to climb some more mountains as he continues to chase a second world title fight.

Seeya at the Boxing.