I’m going to fight my heart out — Hadlow

QUEENSTOWN light welterweight (64kg division) Richie Hadlow is fighting fit for his first Commonwealth Games bout tonight, his coach says.

The fourtime New Zealand national champion (30) is part of an eightperson New Zealand boxing team at the Games.

Hadlow returned last week from an international camp in Canberra, where he sparred against Commonwealth contenders including a Northern Irishman who gave him a black eye.

That followed a camp in the United States in January where he sparred against top US and British boxers.

‘‘He’s fought and sparred against the best in the world, so he knows what he’s stepping into the ring against,’’ coach Stewart Mitchell said.

‘‘He’s never been fitter, sharper and more experienced than he is today, so if we were ever to have a chance of medalling, now is the time.

‘‘But the reality of it also is you’re looking at five fights in nine days, so you’re hoping for a good draw, no injuries, and you do need a bit of luck.’’

Hadlow is ranked fourth in the Commonwealth but there are no seedings at the Games, so he could be drawn to fight the topranked boxer at any time.

Mitchell said his fighter was also in a good mental space. ‘‘He’s working on just embracing the whole thing and remaining focused.

‘‘He’s had good chats with people who have been before so he’s mentally prepared.’’

It is likely these Games will mark the end of his amateur career as he is considering turning pro, but Hadlow — who has had 43 fights for 31 wins — said that would not weigh on his mind. He was just aiming to keep it simple.

‘‘I know there’s a crowd and an event, but at the end of the day it’s another man standing in front of me, and that’s all I’ve really got to worry about.

‘‘I’m going to fight my heart out and just put everything I’ve been working on for the past five years into nine minutes.’’

Hadlow’s first bout will be at about 9pm.

Transgender Queenstown weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is also competing at the Games.