ROOKIE boxer Michael Crook will represent NSW next month at the Australian Boxing Championships in Canberra, despite not having ever fought before.

The 13-year-old from Orange is not permitted to fight in NSW due to state legislation preventing children under 14 from competing.

The age requirement is 10 in other states, which creates the need for national titles in the junior age groups and weight divisions.

NSW finds it difficult to send juniors to nationals as they either have to travel interstate for bouts or have never fought before.

Mobsport head trainer Jake Kenney is also one of three NSW coaches and the performances of his Orange fighter in training proved to him he was worthy of taking to nationals.

Crook hasn’t travelled interstate for a fight yet but will do so in a month to contest the under 14 40kg division for nationals at the Australian Institute of Sport from December 3-6.

He has been in training at Mobsport gym for eight months and is the cousin of decorated Orange amateur, Sam Ah-See.

The 13-year-old admits he will be nervous ahead of his first bout, but is confident of doing well against more experienced interstate competitors.

Crook has been sparring older boxers at Mobsport and also regularly squares off against Ah-See as the Australian representative imparts some knowledge on to his younger cousin.

Kenney is just as optimistic about Crook’s chances and says he would not consider putting a 13-year-old in the ring unless he was sure he was ready.

“He’s done all of the work,” Kenney said.

“If I didn’t think he was ready I wouldn’t take him.”

The Mobsport trainer is adamant Crook is a future national champion, but is frustrated they have to go interstate to compete.

“It just sucks that they can’t fight. There is that many little kids ... (but) legislation holds you back and I think it’s a joke,” Kenney said.

“All of the people from Maitland and that take their boys up to Queensland.

“The Golden Gloves was packed.