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

Sideline Sid almost laughed out loud when he saw the revised opponent for Money Bill Williams next fight.

It is bad enough that the bout in Hamilton is for one of the numerous versions of the New Zealand Heavyweight titles – Clarence Tillman, who looks likely to get into the ring with Money Bill Can't Box.

He fought in Tauranga last year, and while he has height and is a small man mountain, he is cumbersome and moves slowly around the ring.

The bout is tailor-made to pad out Money Bill's dubious unbeaten record in the boxing ring and is set to become a yawn-fest.

Sideline Sid believes that the sooner Money Bill goes back to league the better.

However, in Tauranga live two of the rising stars of the professional boxing scene in New Zealand.

Gunnar Jackson and Anthony Taylor, who train out of the Tauranga Boxing Club on Waihi Road, have the credentials to make a big impression this year.

Jackson, who fights as a super middleweight, has been one of the busiest boxers in the country in the last 18 months since making his debut in May 2010.

Ten wins, two losses and two draws testify to a boxer who has stirred the interest of promoters in both New Zealand and Australia.

It has been the two draws that have really made the people in boxing sit up and take notice of Gunnar Jackson.

Early in his career he went all the way to Perth, as a supposed opponent for one of their come backing hot shots.

A draw in Australia for a Kiwi boxer is as good as a victory in New Zealand.

Last March, Gunnar was matched with one of the stars of Team Samoa, on a David Tua undercard.

While he was behind on points halfway through the encounter, his revival to nearly steal the decision was something to see.

The Tauranga pugilist has now banked enough experience to fight for a genuine New Zealand Professional boxing title this year.

A likely opponent could be Isaac Peach who has also lost just two bouts in his pro career.

Revenge would be on Jackson's mind after Peach sneaked a paper-thin decision when the two met last year.

The pair met several times in the amateur ranks, with Peach also holding the advantage.

While 2012 might be to early for a title shot for Anthony Taylor, he is sure to be in plenty of demand by Kiwi promoters this year, as he possesses dynamite in both hands.

Two national amateur titles and a berth representing New Zealand at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, tell the tale of his domination of the countries light welterweights amateur ranks in recent years.

While both Gunnar and Anthony possess great skills and a good chin, there greatest strengths are their work ethic at the gym.

Many of the professional boxers in New Zealand enter the ring at a few days notice and without any real preparation.

Road (running) work and skipping is the key base fitness tool of the best boxers, with the Western Bay pair never shy to put on their running shoes and pick up the skipping rope.

Hopefully 2012 will be a big year for both local boxers – and we might yet see a title fight in the Western Bay.

Seeya at the Fights.