Indian boxer to face ‘Mini Mike Tyson’

India born Venkatashan Harikrishnan, better known in boxing rings as Hari Venka will be the fighter to watch at a forthcoming bout in Auckland.

The Welterwight Boxer will take on Steve Heremaia on August 21 at the Panmure Lagoon Stadium.

Dubbed ‘Mini Mike Tyson,’ Heremaia is regarded as New Zealand’s ‘Most Exciting Boxer since David Tua and Shane Cameron.’

With a successful professional record and a long amateur career, he is stated to be the best prospect for the Best World title.

“He is pound for pound the country’s best fighter,’ experts said.

Venka will contest the Auckland Welterweight Championship title from Heremaia, the man who had taken Joy Ali out in Nadi, Fiji, a month ago.

Both boxers have met once before and Venka had won on a ‘Points’ decision.

The real test will be at the forthcoming bout, when the two would clash.

A Welterweight boxer would weigh more than 140 pounds (63.5 kgs), but less than 147 pounds (66.7 kgs).

Venka will face Fiji’s Golden Boy Joy Ali in Nadi on October 9.

He represented India at the Commonwealth Games and in the Olympics and since turning professional, he has had 14 fights, winning 12 of them within the distance.

The forthcoming bout will also feature Fijian boxer Tai Ratuere, who will fight American Brian Cohen for the Super Middleweight Title over 12 rounds.

According to Fight Times, an online magazine, Venka is the ‘most outstanding local prospect.’

“His stylish technique, speed and punching power set the Auckland based light-middleweight apart from the rest of the field. In his last outing, on the undercard of the recent Shane Cameron-Osbourne Machimana fight in Christchurch, he knocked out veteran Sean Unwin in one round. Venka has a big future if he is managed properly,” it said.

Faiyaz Khan is an official of New Zealand Boxing Federation. Email: fmkhan@xtra.co.nz

Photo Caption: Harry Venka: Big Future

A Bout Harry Venka