Kyle Chen Wins Bronze Medal at Commonwealth Youth Games
Northlands own Kyle Chen (16 year old) wins Bronze medal in 75 kgs male Boxing tournament at the 2017 Bahamas Commonwealth Youth Games.
From the beginning Chen was at a disadvantage, not one due to being the youngest in the tournament, but also due to catching a flu like infection when arriving into the Bahamas. Doctors did eventually clear him to compete in the tournament however his position in the tournament was at risk.
Chen was unlucky in the position of the tournament draws as he was place in the preliminary round in this nine man tournament. In his first bout, he took on Australian Callum James Adams. It was a very close bout, however Chen won the bout by 3 – 2 Pts.
In the quarterfinals he took on Wales boxer Jay Daniel Munn. Chen won the bout by a landslide with a 5 – 0 Pts. This win guaranteed him a medal in the tournament and plus a day of rest before competing in the semi finals. During his rest day it was reported that he was feeling better and almost fully recovered from the flu.
In the Semi Finals Chen took on England boxer Aaron Patrick Bowen. Chen hit a milestone with this bout with this being his 50th amateur boxing bout of his career. Chen unfortunately lost the bout by 4 – 1 Pts decision. Chen will walk away from the games with a Bronze medal around his neck and a 50 fight milestone with the record of 43 wins (8 KOs), 6 loses and 0 draws after his quarter final bout.
Once Kyle Chen get back to New Zealand in a week, he will be going back into the gym to prepare for Australian Golden Gloves in August, New Zealand National Amateur Championship in September, AIBA “Road to Buenos Aires” in October, High School Exams in November and to end the year at the Taiwan National Championship.