Three Tauranga boxers have returned home with a national championship crown, a silver medal and an unopposed title.

The boxers, who are members of the Tauranga Boxing Club, took part in the Boxing New Zealand National Championships held in Christchurch last week.

Michael Crosa warmed up for a title challenge in the Youth Light-Welterweight division, with a whitewash against Ali Ismatullah, in Thursday's afternoon semi-final.

The Bay of Plenty Association boxer who was having just his 10^th bout in Christchurch, proved too strong for the Wellington/Hutt Valley boxer who won a silver medal in Rotorua last year, getting the decision on all five judges' cards.

The Western Bay of Plenty young man, faced a stern challenge in the Nationals title decider against Jarrod Smith (Kirikiriroa), who had some thirty odd bouts under his belt.

The final result was in doubt up to the final bell, with the Bay of Plenty team boxer getting a hard-fought victory, by way of a 3-2 points decision.

Michael has picked up the sport really well and is a good thinker in the ring under pressure. He was giving away plenty of experience in Christchurch but bridged the gap with his ability and skills in the ring," says Bay of Plenty Boxing Association Head Coach Chris Walker.

Ariane Adlington made a sterling start to her Women's Welterweight title chase, when she cruised to an easy semi-final victory against Tessa Rutherford-Drake (CNI), which took her to a National Championship Final for the first time.

The Bay of Plenty representative squared off with Deanne Carpenter-Read (Auckland), who had eliminated her in the semi-finals twelve months previously in Rotorua.

'Ari was also giving away a myriad of experience, against an opponent who had won two New Zealand senior titles and had over fifty fights in her book."

Ari took the fight to the Auckland boxer, who is representing New Zealand at the Women's World Championships later in the year, with her opponent's experience eventually winning out to take out the bout by way of a unanimous point's decision.

'The Auckland girl was able neutralize Ari's aggression in what was a very competitive contest."

Hannah Walker was awarded an unopposed National title after she was the only boxer to make the weight in the Junior Female Lightweight division.

However, she participated in a match (non-championship) bout against Maea Hay (Rotorua) who is arguably the best Cadet Female boxer in the country.

'Hannah had a good win over another very promising girl with the future in the ring looking bright for both youngsters.

'I am very happy with our small team at the Nationals, winning four out of five fights and bringing home a Gold and Silver Medal along with an unopposed title”. 'Ari really stepped up on to the national stage, to now be the number two welterweight in the country, while Michael and Hannah are our clubs future in the sport."

Boxing New Zealand National Championships – Bay of Plenty Team Results

Michael Crosa (Youth Light-Welterweight) Gold Medal

Final: Defeated Jarrod Smith (Kirikiriroa) 3-2

Semi-Final: Defeated Ali Ismatullah (Wellington/Hutt Valley) 5-0

Ariane Adlington (Female Welterweight) Silver Medal

Final: Lost to Deaane Carpenter-Read (Auckland) 5-0

Semi-Final: Defeated Tessa Rutherford-Drake (CNI) 5-0

Hannah Walker (Junior Female Lightweight ` Unopposed title