Young boxers get time in ring at North Island Novice tournament | Rotorua Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Rotorua

Although Jayden Jenkins didn't win his fight he is still a champion to his grandfather, Rex Jenkins.

The 10-year-old was one of more than 100 fighters who took part in the North Island Novice championships held in Rotorua at the weekend.

To be eligible to fight in the tournament competitors must have five or fewer fights under their belt.

Jenkins, well known Rotorua boxing identity, said tournaments like these were important for new fighters.

"It's their first championship they ever go to, which is understandable and having them under five fights or under 10 fights means [new boxers] are coming up against fighters at the same level as they are and not with guys with a lot of experience."

Jayden lost to Auckland fighter Brodie Seymor in a tight fight.

In a three, one-and-a-half minute round fight, both 10-year-olds showed a good range of boxing skills. Throwing plenty of jabs and hooks.

However it was possibly Seymor's more aggressive approach that stood out for the three ringside judges.

Jenkins said he was proud of Jayden's fight despite the loss.

"He's just gotten over [the flu] and this is his first outing since that - being a trainer and being a grandad you always expect more from them but that's life in this game. It's a pity some times you have two boys in the ring and somebodies got to come out the loser."

About 300 people packed the Westbrook Primary School hall to watch the tournament which saw a number of fighters take to the ring for the first time, such as Rotorua 10-year-old Broadus Palmer, who lost to Auckland fighter Joshua Cashell.

Jenkins, who also organised the event said Broadus was a strong little fighter who had a big future in boxing.

The event was a huge success Jenkins said and was interested in holding another event in the future.