tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56043744244328820572024-03-21T00:05:08.954-07:00Craig's Mind is Ramblin'Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-62587211339252123122012-04-26T22:04:00.000-07:002012-04-27T22:05:07.172-07:00Williams, Berridge Victorious at Battle at the Box<br />
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Fight fans packed out Auckland city’s The Corporate Box to watch the ‘Battle at the Box’ on Friday night. Featuring top ranked New Zealand Light Heavyweight Robbie Berridge and headlined by ex-NRL enforcer Jason Williams taking on former NZNBF heavyweight title holder Amosa Zinck, the Craig Thomson promoted card also provided nine corporate undercard bouts.</div>
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Williams used his size and strength to notch his fourth win in a row against Zinck over four rounds. The bout started with a feeling-out process, before a giant right hook snapped Zinck’s head back. Williams continued to apply pressure as he was able to back Zinck against the ropes and unload with hooks to the body and head. With his face bloodied in the second round, Zinck took a lot of punishment on the ropes before fighting his way out. Zinck has his best round of the fight during the third, where he was able to back Williams off with a couple of hard shots. However, Williams' constant pressure and strength meant he was continually on the back foot. Already bloodied, beaten and now worn down, Zinck was knocked down in the final stanza by a Williams hook and, although he was able to make it to the final bell, the result was never in doubt.</div>
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Top ranked New Zealand Light Heavyweight Robbie Berridge only needed a round to dispatch former foe Peter Tovio. As is his style, Tovio began the bout swinging for the fences, while Berridge kept on the end of his jab. Berridge boxed nicely, creating openings for his big left hand and landing sharp, straight punches. A straight left hand nearly put Tovio into next week and, although he was able to remain standing, he was clearly very hurt. The follow-up pressure dropped Tovio hard. He was able to make it to his feet, yet still seemed unsteady and his corner threw in the towel to protect their fighter.</div>
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In the undercard action, Bonnie Porter used her high volume approach to win a tight split decision over Jo Ramirez in the women’s Junior Featherweight bout. Normally a brilliant counter puncher, Ramirez was barely given room to move (or breath) as Porter’s superior conditioning and size allowed her to press the action. Ramirez had success with counter left hands throughout the bout, landing the cleaner, more significant punches, but Porter was a virtual human windmill who started to get the better of the exchanges in the second round as Ramirez tired.</div>
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<u><strong>Results</strong></u></div>
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<u><strong>Corporate</strong></u><br /><em>Middleweight</em><br /><strong>Shane Robertson </strong>beat <strong>Ronnie Newland</strong> by technical knockout in the second round</div>
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<em>Heavyweight</em><br /><strong>Junior Tupuni </strong>beat <strong>Patelo Lafaele</strong> by unanimous decision</div>
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<em>Women’s Light Heavyweight</em><br /><strong>Natalie Teller </strong>beat <strong>Becky Wood</strong> by split decision</div>
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<em>Super Middleweight</em><br /><strong>Ben Nelson</strong> beat <strong>Rocky Deepak</strong> by technical knockout in the first round due to injury</div>
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<em>Women’s Light Featherweight</em><br /><strong>Bonnie Porter</strong> beat <strong>Jo Ramirez</strong> by split decision</div>
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<em>Cruiserweight</em><br /><strong>Jono Bancroft</strong> beat<strong> Nick Coyle</strong> by unanimous decision</div>
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<em>Heavyweight</em><br /><strong>Sami Inu</strong> beat <strong>Tomi Kingi</strong> by split decision</div>
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<em>Cruiserweight</em><br />The bout between <strong>Nick Gains</strong> and <strong>Daniel Temple</strong> was ruled a split draw</div>
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<em>Super Middleweight</em><br /><strong>Troi Norman </strong>beat <strong>Neil Share</strong> by knockout in the second round</div>
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<u><strong>Professional</strong></u><br /><em>Light Heavyweight</em><br /><strong>Robbie Berridge</strong> beat <strong>Peter Tovio</strong> by knockout in the first round</div>
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<em>Heavyweight</em><br /><strong>Jason Williams</strong> beat<strong> Amosa Zinck</strong> by unanimous decision<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/4006">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-77400511100803716752012-04-22T22:03:00.000-07:002012-04-27T22:04:05.791-07:00For The Fancy – Boxing Update: 22 April 2012<br />
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<strong>Dear Friends of the Fasi,</strong></div>
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As we all know, the period of May-June is usually scheduled for the biggest fights of the year. The exact same rings true this year as we look at a few of the fights that (should) grace our pay-per-view calender (all dates NZ);</div>
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<strong>Hopkins-Dawson II 29th April<br />Mayweather-Cotto 6 May<br />Alavarez-Mosley 6 May<br />Peterson-Khan II 20 May<br />Pacquiao-Bradley 6 June<br />Ortiz-Berto II 24 June</strong></div>
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If you’re anything like me, you’ll be salivating over the prospect of Mayweather-Cotto and, to a lesser extent, Alvarez-Mosley next weekend. If you’re new to the game, or simply unaware, then I advise you to definitely check ‘Mayweather-Cotto 24/7’ on Tuesday, 8pm, Sky Sport 2. The series follows world class boxers in the lead up to their biggest bouts and Mayweather’s swagger alone is can’t miss television. </div>
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Directly following this is ‘On Freddie Roach,’ a fly-on-the-wall documentary following perhaps the greatest boxing trainer of all time…errr….Freddie Roach. Currently training world class fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, ‘On Freddie Roach’ may seem like it is lacking direction, without a strong narrative, but to get this type of insight into his life inside the ring and his battle with Parkinsons is well worth it. The boxing world is on the verge of losing someone very special.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><u>Home Front</u></span></strong></div>
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Unfortunately, the NZPBA Super Middleweight title bout between Gunnar Jackson and Edwin Samy never materialized for reasons that will never be known however ‘Battle at the Box’ was still a very worthwhile card.</div>
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Top ranked New Zealand Light Heavyweight Robbie “The Butcher” Berridge stayed unbeaten and continued his path to a title in disintegrating Peter Tovio inside a round. Berridge was clearly a couple of levels above Tovio from the get go, with the first hard left hand he landed near turning the 2-13-1 Tovio into dust. The ensuing punches saw Tovio drop face first before his corner threw in the towel.</div>
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“The Butcher” is now scheduled to fight for the NZPBA Light Heavyweight crown on the 29<sup>th</sup> of June against an as-of-now unnamed opponent. Rest assured, I’ll present you all with the details as they emerge.</div>
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Former NRL bad boy Jason Williams used his size and strength to muscle out a win against former New Zealand Heavyweight titlist Amosa Zinck. Williams was able to bull Zinck against the ropes and corners all night where he landed big hooks that left Zinck a bloody mess. Although able to stand up to this kind of punishment, Zinck was unable to mount any kind of significant offense that would keep his ever pressing foe away. Williams scored a knockdown in the final round and scored a wide judges nod.</div>
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Amateur action dominates this weekend, with the A.B.A hosting an amateur card on Friday night. It anyone has any further details on this please contact NZFighters.</div>
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Further north, any Wellsford boxing fans will be treated to some amateur action on Saturday night. Contact Fili Maka (<a href="mailto:filimaka@xtra.co.nz" style="color: #4c1111; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">filimaka@xtra.co.nz</a>) if you’re interested.</div>
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Abner Mares (24-0-1, 13 KOs) stepped up a weight and turned up the action in gaining a wide decision win over Eric Morel (46-3, 23 KOs) at El Paso, Texas. Although not much of a competitive fight, due to Mares skill level, Mares took the fight to his opponent’s body as well as landing right hands upstairs that drew blood. Morel managed to land his own with neither fight ever being in any danger of being stopped. That said, Mares continued to pour it on and only lost one round on a single judge’s scorecard.</div>
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Mares captured a vacant Junior Featherweight strap with the win, however it would appear that a fight with the biggest name in the division, Nonito Donaire, will elude him due to bad blood between their promotional companies. Shame.</div>
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Also on the same card, and widely regarded as the best Bantamweight on the planet, Anselmo Moreno (31-1-1, 12 KOs) beat David De La Mora (24-2, 17 KOs) like he stole something until he refused to come out for the 10<sup>th</sup> round. A right hook dropped De La Mora, who was never in the fight, in the second round and the southpaw Moreno continued to land the lead hook all evening. De La Mora was again sent to the canvas in the sixth by a left to the body and struggled through a couple more rounds before calling it a night.</div>
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Although Moreno’s style can isn’t always entertaining to watch, there is no denying his class. Being with the same promotional company, relative weights and now fighting on the same card, a Moreno-Mares bout looks to be on the horizon.</div>
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Middleweight Erislandy Lara (16-1-1, 11 KOs) scored three knockdowns in his one round destruction of Ronald Hearns (26-3, 20 KOs) at Biloxi Mississippi. This complete blowout only confirms Lara’s place among the division’s elite (as well as Junior Middleweight, where he normally resides) and goes some way to exercise the demons from his horrible decision loss robbery against Paul Williams. All knockdowns came via Lara’s brutal southpaw left hand.</div>
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Unfortunately, performances like this do nothing for Lara’s marketability as an opponent. He would seem too dangerous for Saul Alvarez or Miguel Cotto (trusting they win their respective bouts) and he doesn’t bring enough money to the table to fight someone like Mayweather.</div>
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47 year old dynamo Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KOs) takes on “Bad” Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KOs) in a rematch for Hopkins’ WBC Light Heavyweight title this Sunday (NZ time) in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their first match last October ended in controversy as Dawson lifted Hopkins off the ground with his should and dumped him on the mat, injuring Bernard and forcing a stop to the contest. This was originally ruled a knockout win for Dawson until the commission, rightly, changed the result to a No Contest. Although Hopkins was allowed to keep his title, and has generally defied his age for the longest time, he looked every bit of 47 and was fortunate that the bout ended how it did. This bout is being screened on Sky Box Office.</div>
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With the mega bout between Yuriorkis Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez being derailed by stupidity and defeat, the Featherweight division is now wide open as both of the aforementioned are tied up in various legal hooha and their returns look certain to be north of 126 pounds. WBC champion Jhonny Gonzalez (51-7, 45 KOs) defends against Elio Rojas (23-1, 14 KOs) in Cancun, Mexico. Gonzales had a bumper 2011, capturing a strap and stopping all four of his foes including hard-as-nails Roger Mtagwa (who took Lopez to the wire in October 2010). Former titlist Rojas, hasn’t got the experience, or the punch, of his opponent and this bout will be a serious step up in class.<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/4005">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-61879741644697097552012-04-16T22:02:00.000-07:002012-04-27T22:02:55.896-07:00For The Fancy – Boxing Update: First Edition 16.4.12<br />
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Fans of fistiana, purveyors of pugilism, welcome to ‘For The Fancy’ where, each week, you can find the latest in boxing news from New Zealand and around the globe.</div>
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Nowhere else is there anybody else even remotely keen on giving our local scene the exposure it deserves. Coverage by popular media only extends to a handful of internationals, which isn’t at all indicative of the proud standard of not only boxing as a world sport but our down home kiwi scene.</div>
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Leading local news, Shane “The Mountain Warrior” Cameron’s (28-2, 21 KOs) scheduled bout with Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett (35-9-2, 20 KOs) will be moved back to July 5<sup>th</sup>. Barrett will be defending his WBO Oriental and WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight titles that he won from David Tua via unanimous decision last August. A third fight with Tua never materialized as “The Tuaman” retired a few weeks ago. Cameron, a former heavyweight fringe contender and everyone’s favourite red headed Maori this side of Paul Tito, dropped to cruiserweight in mid 2010 where he has been able to jockey himself into contender status. He was last seen winning a wide decision against former Kiwis league player Monty Betham at the Fight for Life charity boxing event.</div>
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This Friday, Craig Thomson promotions brings you Battle at the Box, headlined by top New Zealand Super-Middleweight Gunnar Jackson taking on kickboxer “Electric” Edwin Samy at The Corporate Box in Albert Street. Jackson will be making his first defence of the NZPBA Super-Middelweight strap he won last month against Kashif Mumtaz with the 12-2 fighter collecting the scalps of fighters such as Fale Siaoloa, Peter Tovio and the aforementioned Mumtaz. Although Samy will be looking for his first win in his fifth outing, his slick punching, hard chin and awkward style will be bound to make it a close fight.</div>
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Also on the same card, former NRL hardman Jason Williams collides with ex-New Zealand and South Pacific heavyweight champion Amosa Zanck. Since losing his debut, Williams is on a three fight tear with all wins coming inside the distance while Zanck is coming off a decision loss to, in the eyes of many, the real NZ Heavyweight champion Chauncy Welliver.</div>
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Top pound for pound fighter “Dinamita” Juan Manual Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs) further solidified his case for another Pacquiao bout in gaining the WBO interim 140 pound strap with a wide decision win against Sergey “The Professor” Fedchenko (30-2, 13 KOs) at the New Mexico City Arena in errr…..Mexico City. The 38-year-old certain Hall of Famer added the title to his accolades at Feathweight, Jr Lightweight and Lightweight by controlling all of the action with his combination punching. Fedchenko was able to keep his distance so Marquez couldn’t land his debilitating hooks to the body and, although he would land, his negligible power had no chance of derailing Marquez. The final round would provide the most action, as repeated right hands had Fedchenko reeling around the ring however he was able to stay upright until the final bell. Final scores were 119-109 and 118-110 twice.</div>
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Marquez now has to be the leading contender for a November bout against Pacquiao. Currently 0-1-2 against The Pac Man, a sizeable portion of the boxing fraternity believe that the count should be 3-0 in favour of “Dinamita.”</div>
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WBA interim titlist Richard Abril (17-3-1, 8 KOs) seemingly won the fight everywhere but on the cards against former WBA Lightweight Champion “Bam Bam” Brandon Rios (30-0, 22 KOs) at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Rios, who came in overweight for the second fight in a row, applied pressure early with Abril boxing well and landing straight punches. Abril managed to tie up the every pressing Rios well when he got too close and made him pay coming in. Although the fight was a split decision, many at ringside had Abril winning comfortably.</div>
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Abril had stepped in at fairly short notice after Featherweight sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa pulled out of one of the sports biggest bouts. With Gamboa now tied up in legal matters concerning his move, it would seem that Rios will move up to 140 pounds to lobby for a fight with Marquez.</div>
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Although no pay-per-view boxing cards grace our screens, at least for a couple of weeks, bantamweight king Abner Mares (23-0, 13 KOs) moves up to 122 pounds to contest bantamweight stalwart Eric Morel (46-2, 23 KOs) for the WBC Super Bantamweight crown. The bout will be held at the Don Haskins Convention Centre in El Paso, Texas this Sunday (NZ time).</div>
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Although ill advised by, well, almost everybody with full reasoning abilities, former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor (29-4, 18 KOs) fights continues his comeback quest against Caleb Truax (18-0-1, 10 KOs) at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi this Saturday (NZ time). Taylor won back to back victories against all time legend Bernard Hopkins to become undisputed middleweight champion in 2005 however he was knocked out in three of his last six with the nature of the knockouts being a real cause for concern. Truax’s record has been built over mainly second tier opposition.</div>
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The undercard features Cuban contender Erislandy Lara (15-1, 10 KOs) against Ronald Hearns (26-2, 20 KOs) in a middleweight bout. Lara was last seen losing a despicable majority decision to Paul Williams in July but still remains poised to make waves in the near future. Hearns, son of boxing legend Thomas, carries his father’s height and pop but has been stopped in both of his losses. <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/3999">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-69736747595298095452012-03-29T22:00:00.000-07:002012-04-27T22:01:13.309-07:00Hendersonsanity! Supremacy 9<br />
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Headlined by two title fights, Supremacy 9 once again returned to the Wild Wild West. Only, unlike the movie Wild Wild West, there would be no Will Smith, no steampunk and everybody in attendance actually enjoyed the show.</div>
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Stacked to the brim with 12 professional fights, Supremacy 9 featured two championship bouts supported by two contender matches with the prestige of the card being more than enough cause for the throngs of sleeves and fighterwear that packed out Henderson’s West Wave Aquatic Centre.</div>
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Jacques Marsters earned his Supremacy Welterweight title in getting past Luke “The Juggernaut” Jumeau in a tough affair. After a close first round, Marsters started to control action and centre of the ring in second. He began to stalk Jumeau, who had success countering the ever pressing Marsters and using his movement to avoid the inevitable firefight. Marsters is well bloodied by the third round however he is still pushing the action and trying to pin his opponent down. With his octagon control and in bringing more power to the exchanges, Marsters was awarded a unanimous judges nod.</div>
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In the co-headliner Dan “The GraveDigger” Digby was taken the distance for the first time in 18 bouts by Peter “The Bear” Clinch in winning the Supremacy Middleweight strap. Digby brings the fans to their feet early with a big slam however Clinch controls the fight on the grown with his ground’n’pound. In the final stanza, Digby comes alive and, as the fight goes to ground, is virtually launching himself at Clinch in order to land blows. Able to stay in the top position for the majority of the round, Digby goes all out during the final 30 seconds with a rear naked choke attempt as well as some nasty ground’n’pound however late call up Clinch’s chin lasts him until the final bell. </div>
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Steve Warby threw his hat into the heavyweight contender scene with a first round knockout of Mika Maliefulu. Both seem keen to keep the result out of the judges hands as they start winging their own with reckless abandon. A Warby right hand gives Maliefulu the stanky leg and slumps him against the cage. The strikes that follow force the referee to step in.</div>
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The always-entertaining Isreal Adesanya once again showed his athleticism in stopping James Griffiths in the opening round. Adesanya’s advantage in reach is evident from the outset and his Muai Thai striking almost start from the other side of the cage. He unleashes a flying knee that hurts Griffiths badly. Smelling blood, Adesanya pounces and rains down blows on his fallen opponent with the referee calling a halt to the bout to save Griffiths further punishment.</div>
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<u><strong>Supremacy NZ Welterweight Championship</strong></u><br />Jacques Marsters (Strikeforce Gym, Canterbury) beat Luke “The Juggernaut” Jumeau (Incorporated Martial Arts, Hamilton) via unanimous decision</div>
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<u><strong>Supremacy NZ Middleweight Championship</strong></u><br />Dan “The GraveDigger” Digby beat Peter “The Bear” Clinch (Hooligan MMA, Dunedin) via unanimous decision</div>
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Steve Warby (City MMA, Auckland) beat Mika Maliefulu (Olivers MMA, Auckland) via knockout in the first round</div>
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Scott MacGregor (Timaru Freestyle Martial Arts) beat “Dynamite” Doug Higgens (SMAC Gym, Auckland) via submission (armbar) in the first round</div>
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Pane Hauraki (Fierce Fitness, Napier) beat Kevin Bently (Strikeforce Gym, Auckland) via unanimous decision</div>
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Isreal Adesanya (City MMA, Auckland) beat James Griffiths (Crolin Gracie/JR McGyver, Tauranga) via TKO in the first round</div>
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Beau Rawiri (Strikeforce Gym, Auckland) beat Andrew Mangi (Syndikit MMA, Tokoroa) by knockout in the first round</div>
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Kieran Joblin (Shoot, Grapple, Roll, Christchurch) beat Dre Rahipere (Hibiscus Coast MMA, Auckland) by knockout in the second round</div>
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Caleb Lally (Crolin Gracie/JR McGyver, Tauranga) beat Yukon Kemp (Syndikit MMA, Tokoroa) by split decision</div>
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Forrest Goodwin (Strikeforce Gym, Christchurch) beat Rob Baxter (Highburry BJJ, Palmerston North) by submission (armbar) in the first round</div>
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John Vake (Olivers MMA, Auckland) beat Brent Tumoana Shadbolt (Marcelo Lopez BJJ, Hamilton) by unanimous decision</div>
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Yakob Brown (Crolin Gracie/JR McGyver, Tauranga) beat Roy Moka (Journey MMA, Auckland) by knockout in the second round</div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-15455645662322386652012-03-25T22:00:00.000-07:002012-04-27T22:00:31.230-07:00Inside the Fire: Fire Power 2 Boxing Explosion<br />
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Lee Oti laid claim to the WBF International crown and the top spot in the New Zealand division with his tough but unanimous decision win over game Lee Milner. The bout headlined the Glozier Promotions “Fire Power 2 Boxing Explosion,” which also featured top cruiserweights Vaitele Soi and Junior Iakopo.</div>
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Oti spent the early rounds attacking the body of Milner, who pressed the action throwing right hands upstairs. By the third round the nose of Milner had been bloodied by a left hook. Oti began to box from a distance and land well timed overhand rights where his opponent had staked a claim to the center of the ring. Milner had success keeping the fight in close, where his strength and mauling style began to wear down Oti. This is where the fight would stay, with Oti boxing and using his length and Milner having moderate success inside. Milner threw the kitchen sink at Oti in the final round but was unable to pin down his elusive foe.</div>
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Now on a six fight burn, Oti looks set for a showdown with fellow top local Steve Heremaia who he has split a pair of bouts with previously. </div>
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Vaitele Soi and Junior Iakopo thrilled the crowd with one of the finest bouts this country has ever seen. Both showed tremendous poise in the early goings, picking their shots. Soi was dominant in the early goings, exploiting openings and unloading heavy when he was able to pin Iakopo to the ropes. Iakopo showed good movement but had his head snapped back with 1-2 in the third and ate a three-punch combo in the following round. In forcing Iakopo to fight off the ropes, Soi was able to catch his opponent until Iakopo connected with some counter left hooks of his own that seemingly changed the momentum of the fight. Both were happy to begin trading in close however it is Iakopo that is getting the better of the exchanges, with the fifth stanza being his best of the fight and Soi seeming to tire. The sixth and final round saw some vicious exchanges before Soi managed to establish some distance and stick and move until the final bell. Soi continued his unbeaten run with a majority decision win that everyone in attendance would call for a rematch for.</div>
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In undercard action Rohit Singh scored a vicious 14 second (including count) stoppage over Ali Maruf. Singh flattened Maruf with the first punch of the fight and Maruf lay unconscious for a couple of minutes until he could be revived.</div>
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Isaac Peach controlled the action with a longer reach and tighter punches in his unanimous decision win over Peter Tovio. Peached boxed a good fundamental fight, utilizing his reach and using his jab to set up right hands while Tovio lept in and generally tried to take Peach’s head off with every punch.</div>
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Ratuere was able to wear down Junior Toelefoa for a third round knockout. Toelefoa’s speed and movement are blurring early as they offset his disadvantages in size and power however Ratuere’s strength started to show in the second and he began to hurt Toelefoa with every punch that eventually forced the referee to stop the action.</div>
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Professional</span></strong></u></h1>
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<u>WBF Light-Middleweight International Title Bout</u></h2>
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Lee Oti beat Brad Milner via unanimous decision</h2>
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Vaitele Soi beat Junior Iakopo via majority decision</div>
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Taito Ratuere beat Junior Toelefoa via knockout in the third round</div>
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Elisara Sii Uta beat Bob Gasio via majority decision</div>
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Roger Adlam beat Jake Paul via unanimous decision</div>
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Isaac Peach beat Peter Tovio via unanimous decision</div>
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Rohit Singh beat Ali Maruf via knockout in the first round</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Corporate</span></u></h1>
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Solomon Kiri beat Jordan Tolovaa via majority decision</div>
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Tai Tupou beat Christ Awheto via knockout in the third round</div>
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John Falevaai beat Peter Mauga via unanimous decision</div>
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Jerry McFarland beat Samuel Kay via majority decision</div>
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Sione Siale beat Norman Iopu via knockout in the first round</div>
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Ken Stowers beat Jonny Van Altvorst via unanimous decision</div>
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Stallone Munn beat Troy Penio via majority decision</div>
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Mafi Lutu beat Sealu Setu via knockout in the third round<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/3982">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-17903906249386663592012-03-13T21:58:00.000-07:002012-04-27T21:59:12.050-07:00My Super Sweet ICNZ16<br />
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Undefeated as a professional ICNZ Light Heavyweight champion Brendan “The Wrath” Ropati is starting to make some ripples in the world scene. A blend of size, speed and athleticism, the Oliver MMA trained fighter underwent his toughest test against Bellator and King of the Cage veteran “Smilin” Sam Alvey s the headlining bout at ICNZ16.</div>
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The flagship event for the Industry of Combat. ICNZ16 showcased five professional bouts supported by five A-Class fights. Also on the card, “Dynamite” Doug Higgins would attempt to defend his featherweight strap against tough Brit James “Scraps” Saville and Simo Postings drops to lightweight to fight Sam Gascoigne.</div>
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The packed crowd at the North Shore Events centre were treated to a hard fought battle as Ropati successfully defended his title in gaining a unanimous nod. The opening round saw both feel each other and set their distance and they landed kicks to the body and traded combinations before Ropati was able to land a takedown in the second. While attempting to gain his opponent’s back, he is thrown off and Alvey is able to work his way into Ropati’s guard and administer some ground and pound. They continue to exchange equally on</div>
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<img alt="Brandon "The Wraith" Ropati (Oliver MMA) beat Sam "Smilin" Alvey (Team Quest USA) " src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/aaaIMG_5752icnz16.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 480px;" /></div>
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their feet in the final round before Ropati is deducted a point for an apparent eye gouge. Fully aware of the close nature of the bout, “The Wrath” begins to push the pace however he is greeted with Alvey’s best punch of the fight. With time running out, and with both fighters hungry for the win, they exchange wildly until the fight is over.</div>
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Ropati fought a great tactical fight against an opponent with legitimate experience in a premier promotion, showing maturity and poise and, when Alvey was able to get the better of <img alt="" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/bbbIMG_2079icnz.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 226px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 340px;" />the exchanges, he didn’t let his emotions or pride get in the way of the ultimate goal of victory. The sky seems the limit for the Steve Oliver protégé as he proved he could cope with a serious step up in competition.</div>
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In the co-headliner, James Saville laid waste to ICNZ Featherweight champion “Dynamite” Doug Higgins in only one round. The action was fast, as “Scraps” steps inside and drops Higgins with the first right hand he throws. Saville pounces on his opponent and his follow up blows almost seem purely academic as the referee steps in to save Higgins from any more punishment. </div>
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Sam Gascoigne continued to make his presence felt in the lightweight division after decisioning Simo Postings. The first round was highlighted by a massive Gascoigne takedown and Postings closing the round pounding away inside his opponent’s guard. Postings defends well from his back in the second however he finds himself on the defensive for almost the entire round. This continues in the third, with Postings face now looking like something painted by Jackson Pollock. Now behind on all the cards, Postings throws the kitchen sink at Gascoigne and is able to land a hard overhand during the final ten seconds. </div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Results</span></u></strong></div>
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A Class 80kgs:<br />Mike Potae (Core MMA) beat Kenton Rushbridge (Auckland MMA) via decision</div>
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<u>A Class 67kgs:</u><br />Phillip Brown (Oliver MMA) beat Dustin Terill (Southern Tribes Taranaki) via majority decision</div>
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<u>A Class 83kgs:</u><br />Benjamin Yeomin (Ground Control MMA) beat Vince Lowe (Team Submission) via unanimous decision</div>
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<u>A Class 83kgs:</u><br />Selby Deveroux (Oliver MMA) beat Zahn Buchanan (Intergrated Fighting) via unimous decision</div>
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<u>A Class 80kgs:</u><br />Nick Allan (Team Submission) beat Benoit Auvray (Gracie Oceania NZ) via unanimous decision</div>
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<u>Pro-class Heavyweight:</u><br />Mika Maliefulu (Oliver MMA) beat Sean Morris (Independent) via submission (armbar)</div>
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<u>Pro-Class Heavyweight:</u><br />After three rounds, the fight between Pane Haraki (Fierce Fitness) and Steven Warby (City MMA) was declared a draw. After a fourth round, Steven Warby was announced the winner via split decision</div>
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<u>Pro-Class Lightweight:</u><br />Sam Gascoigne (Oliver MMA) beat Simo Postings (Team Submission) via unanimous decision</div>
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<u>Pro Class Featherweight:</u><br />James Saville (Caged Steel UK) beat Doug Higgins (Smac/Auckland MMA NZ) by knockout in round 1</div>
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<u>Main Event - Pro Class Light Heavyweight:</u><br />Brandon "The Wraith" Ropati (Oliver MMA) beat Sam "Smilin" Alvey (Team Quest USA) via unanimous decision<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/3940">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-60945735574585308542012-03-11T21:57:00.000-07:002012-04-27T21:57:54.985-07:00Roots Bloody Roots: ICNZ’s Grassroots 2<br />
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The fight game is a brutal mistress and, if you don’t respect her, she will spit you out and move on with the guy at her work who laughs at her jokes. In fact, her history is riddled with those spurned and her wrath extends further than the fact that you’ve been hanging out with your “loser mates again.”</div>
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Thus, I’ve always had a great respect of those who lace up the gloves and risk it all. To be a champion. To scratch that combative itch. To entertain the fans. And first fights can often seem like first trysts, over way too fast and not at all what you were expecting.</div>
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As a prelude to ICNZ16, Grassroots 2 featured 9 B-Class bouts, with many of the combatants being sent on their maiden voyages. All the hours of technique, conditioning and pain would now be put on display and a lot of the icebergs and rogue waves in front of them were also finding their way through uncharted waters.</div>
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Early crowd favorite Kevin “KevDav” Davis offset a size differential with good all-round skills in gaining a decision win over Jordan Porter. Porter, despite taking the fight on a couple of days notice, strikes well from the outside early before Davis catches him coming in with a standing guillotine. “KevDav” begins wrenching on his opponents neck like he is trying to tear it off for what seems like an age until Porter is able to free himself before the round ends. Davis takes his opponent to the ground in the second as he lands shots to the body. A stray limb is all the opportunity Davis needs as he attempts an ankle lock before Porter sweeps into the mount, then side control, and punishes Davis’ body. With the cards seemingly locked up, Porter comes out swinging in the third. He takes down Davis, and mounts him, however Davis is defending well and taking minimum punishment. This classic ‘striker versus grappler’ battle is close with Davis winning on two of the three judges cards.</div>
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Mike Williams scored a dramatic third round knockout over Eruera Piwari. Williams’ advantage on the feet was apparent early and Piwari keeps him honest with a huge slam. Piwari works for a triangle attempt and Williams is able to hold on until the end of the round. Both are more cautious in the second round, throwing single strikes and attempting to set up opportunities. The final round sees Williams assert himself on his feet, outgunning Piwari as they both start to fatigue. As the clock ticks down, Williams’ shots are starting to find a home. With only 4 seconds left on the clock, a Williams punch knocks Piwari clear into next week in a knockout of the night worthy performance.</div>
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In women’s action, Krissy Pettman used her better grappling to defeat Tairi Ford. Ford has some success with the right hand early but Pettman is able to push her up against the cage, take her down and work the body. This pattern repeats in the second, and it is unfortunate that we don’t get to see Ford use her hands more, as it is punctuated with Pettman attempting a guillotine. Once again, Ford is unable to keep her distance in round three as Pettman clinches and muscles her against the cage wall. Pettman’s jiu-jitsu comes into play as she transitions seamlessly from guard, to side-control to full mount, always maintaining the dominant position and earning a clear unanimous decision.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong>Results</strong></span></u></div>
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<strong>B Class 113kgs:</strong><br />Ali Hau (Oliver MMA) B class beat Maifea Maifea (Brasa Jiu Jitsu) via split decision</div>
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<strong>B Class 80kgs:</strong><br />Julius Poananga (Core MMA) beat Patrick Childs (KRMA Auckland) via submission (armbar) in the first round</div>
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<strong>B Class 78kgs:</strong><br />Kevin Davis (Intergrated Fighting) beat Jordan Porter (Strikeforce) via split decision</div>
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<strong>B Class 83kgs:</strong><br />Vahid Unesi (Oliver MMA) beat RJ Peke-Raa (Wanganui MMA) via submission (Americana) in the first round</div>
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<strong>B Class 77kgs:</strong><br />Mike Williams (Shuriken NZ) beat Eruera Piwari (Hybrid MMA) via knockout in round three</div>
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<strong>B Class 77kgs:</strong><br />LJ Stephenson (Oliver MMA) beat Garth Ludic (Midas Fight Academy) via unanimous decision</div>
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<strong>B Class 69kgs:</strong><br />Matthew Yeoman (Ground Control MMA) beat Jordan Dennis (Kapiti Boxing) via technical knockout (injury) in round one</div>
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<strong>B Class 73kgs:</strong><br />Ray Daniels (Oliver MMA) beat Dave Stephenson (Independent) via submission in round two</div>
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<strong>B Class 59kgs:</strong><br />Krissy Pettman (Oliver MMA) beat Tairi Ford (Lakeside BJJ) via unanimous decision<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/3938">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-22307267178481904032011-12-07T21:56:00.000-08:002012-04-27T21:56:24.101-07:00Cameron Fails To Stop The Fool Monty<br />
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In claiming the lives of 670 New Zealand males a year, and being the most registered cancer in the country, prostate cancer is serious business. And just as the afflicted brave fight the disease with everything they have, so would the 14 combatants of the Woodstock Reserve Fight For Life.<img alt="Fight for Life 2011 league vs rugby " src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Shane-Cameron-vs-Monty-Betham-19.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 363px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 254px;" /> Taking themselves out of their chosen field of physical excellence and putting their health in harms way in order to selflessly pay tribute to sufferers while raising both awareness and funds.</div>
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Rather than being a simple vehicle for fund raising, this installment would also serve to answer a question heatedly slurred between two of New Zealand’s biggest fraternities; What is tougher? Rugby Union or Rugby League.</div>
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Although the results, in reality, lend little weight to the discourse, for the general public, it would scratch a curious itch as legends of union and league collided. Headlined by former world title contender Shane Cameron facing league icon Monty Betham, the card would also feature household names Wendell Sailor, Carlos Spencer and Christian Cullen.</div>
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West Auckland’s Trusts Stadium served as host to our best and beautiful (plus us media degenerates) as men donned tuxedos and women competed for our attention. Only random patches of the stands remained unoccupied as throngs steadily spilled inside and the anticipation and good times formed a thin fog that those in attendance fought to see through.</div>
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In the opening bout, former NZ Maori rep Slade MacFarland’s superior conditioning and punch output proved the deciding factor in his decision win over former Warrior’s ace Jerry Seuseu. These two juggernauts set a fast opening pace with MacFarland landing right hands and having the better timing. </div>
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Both threw caution to the wind in the second, planting their feet and exchanging heavy shots however the pace would prove more than Seuseu could handle as he began to tire and only throw single punches. </div>
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MacFarland pushed the pace further in the third, landing a good uppercut and generally outworking his foe to gain a unanimous judges nod.</div>
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<img alt="Hayley Holt beat Paige Hareb by unanimous decision" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Hayley-Holt-vs-Paige-Hareb-12.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 310px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 465px;" /></div>
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Hayley Holt and Paige Hareb turned in a fierce fight of the night performance over three rounds. Holt’s advantages in size and reach were evident early and she displayed no duty of care toward her manicurist as she dished out huge right hands forcing the referee to administer a pair of standing eight counts. </div>
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Hareb’s determination was evident in the second as she manages to turn the fight. Bobbing and weaving into range she couldn’t miss with her left hook. All the pressure forces Holt to cover however she connects with a right hand near the end of the round backs off her opponent.</div>
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Both fighters left it all in the ring in an extremely competitive final round. Holt and Hareb exchange right hands and left hooks respectively and the final thirty seconds are combated <img alt="The bout between Carlos Spencer and Awen Guttenbeil was declared a split draw" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/_MG_3899.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 348px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 264px;" />like neither wants to lose. Unfortunately, a winner must be crowned in the match and Holt takes a unanimous decision on the back of her first round success.</div>
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Former All Black first five dynamo Carlos Spencer’s superb physical conditioning only afforded him a draw with dual league international Awen Guttenbeil. Spencer displayed good head movement in the first round as both tried to find their range. The fighters went toe to toe in the second round, with Guttenbeil’s success coming from boxing from the outside. </div>
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With Spencer being two rounds down going into the final stanza, he needed to find something special. This didn’t seem possible as Guttenbeil trapped him in the corner midway through the round. Then, seemingly with still some of that magic in his pockets, Spencer pulls an overhand right from behind his ear and unleashes it on Guttenbeil, who is given “the stanky leg” and is on a street that he doesn’t know the name of. As the referee attempts to step between the fighters, Spencer, overtaken by some kind of preternatural bloodlust, wings hooks that drops the ex Warrior and Kiwi on the seat of his pants. Guttenbeil is able to beat the count but was clearly relieved to hear the final bell.</div>
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<img alt="Shane Cameron beat Monty Betham by unanimous decision" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/aaaa111.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 477px;" /></div>
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Going into the feature bout, Shane Cameron’s team reasoned that their fighter would have nothing to gain. A fringe world title challenger beating a part timer proves nothing whilst a, unimaginable, loss would completely derail his fighting career. These notions would prove founded as Cameron lumbered to an uninspired decision win over Monty Betham. </div>
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The former Warriors hooker never displayed any kind of fear towards Cameron as he repeatedly gestured his foe to engage him. Cameron’s strategy was obviously to attack the body early however he seemed to lack any kind of foot or hand speed to catch up with Betham’s movement or crack his defense. </div>
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Betham’s only real offense came from flurrying out of clinches as he danced around the ring, played to the crowd and shook his head in denial when Cameron landed flush. Although entertaining, this approach is not the generally accepted way to win bouts. </div>
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The fight would devolve in the fifth round, as both refused to break from a clinch and continued to punch long after the referee’s order to cease. Despite advantages in every facet of the sport, and with five rounds of fatigue weighing on Betham, Cameron was unable to forge any dents as he continued to land hooks to the body and right hands. </div>
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By the end, the rambunctious crowd had been seduced by Betham’s antics and, despite on the wrong end of a wide decision, he was given applause for both lasting against a seemingly insurmountable foe and providing entertainment while doing so.</div>
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Although events like Fight For Life aren’t exactly like anything promoted by the Marquess of Queensberry, the boxing-entertainment provided circumstantial evidence to a societies inquisition while simultaneously raising awareness about towards, as well as helping to KO, one of our countries most prolific knockout artists. With efforts such as those of promoters Mammoth Events, with any luck, the referee will halt the bout sooner rather than later.</div>
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Results</span></strong></u></div>
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Slade MacFarland beat Jerry Seuseu by unanimous decision</div>
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Wairangi Koopu beat Matua Parkinson by unanimous decision</div>
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Hayley Holt beat Paige Hareb by unanimous decision</div>
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The bout between Carlos Spencer and Awen Guttenbeil was declared a split draw</div>
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Isaac Luke beat Christian Cullen by split decision</div>
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Liam Messam beat Wendell Sailor by unanimous decision</div>
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Shane Cameron beat Monty Betham by unanimous decision<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/3698">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-63692964626745513382011-11-22T21:54:00.000-08:002012-04-27T21:55:12.705-07:00Friday Night Fights<br />
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A thick and boisterous crowd filled the Auckland Boxing Association last Saturday as it played home to the Glozier promoted ‘Friday Night Fights.’ The varied card showcased everything from first timers to top New Zealand ranked light heavyweight Soulan Pownceby and cruiserweight Vaitele Soi, the latter of whom had only fought four days prior. With eleven corporate fights and five professional bouts, those in attendance could afford to blink. Action would only be in surplus.</div>
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Monica Tai showed off a neat combination of slickness and power in stopping Margo Smith in two rounds. Tai impressed all from the beginning, utilising her head movement and firing combinations at every opening which were a far cry from her “Brawla” moniker. Smith attempted to push the pace but ended up on the receiving end of right hands. The second round saw Tai become more comfortable and plant her feet, delivering hard single shots. A right hand counter hurts Smith and the referee has seen enough.</div>
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As the old adage goes, the fastest way between two points is a straight line, and it was exactly this approach that helped Junior Bilbar stop kickboxer Hadleigh Donald in the opening round of a furious dustup. Neither hold anything back as the opening bell sounds and both feel the impact of the others punches. Bilbar begins to lay back on the ropes and fire off straight hard shots, which is a strategy that serves him well. A three-punch combination swiftly introduces Donald to the floor and it doesn’t seem like Jon Conway trained fighter is able to make it back up. He does but is almost immediately wobbled by a straight right which forces a standing eight count. With Donald on wobbly legs, Bilbar empties the tank for an electrifying win.</div>
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In the first professional bout of the evening, Lee Oti put all his skills on display in a knockout victory of Dicky Pereira. Oti’s movement takes center stage in the first round as he provides Pereira with difficult angles, deftly moves away from punches and punishes his mistakes. Pereira has some success with his right hand in the second and Oti answers by turning up his power game and landing hard hooks and crosses. Oti begins to press more in the third and, in the next round, sits Pereira down with a straight right hand. Sensing that he has worn down his opponent’s resolve, Oti rushes in and wings punches that drop Pereira in the corner. Although he rises, Pereira is bloodied and beaten giving the referee every reason to call a halt to the contest.</div>
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Although game, Peter Tovi’o was forced to retire after the fourth round in his bout against Soulan Pownceby. The bout appeared to be a mismatch early, with Pownceby seemingly unable to miss and Tovi’o offering only wild, single punch responses however his unwillingness to capitulate made the bout difficult for his foe. The third round, in particular, provided toe-to-toe action as Pownceby’s best bounced off Tovi’o and were answered in kind. This courageous stand was destined to be limited by time and Tovi’o began to wilt in the fourth, was wobbled by an overhand right and his own punches became lethargic. </div>
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Vaitele Soi continued improved his undefeated record to 19-0 (18KOs) with his first round decimation of Filipo Masoe. Both clearly are adverse to any involvement from the judges and trade furiously early on. A huge Soi power shot nearly blasts Masoe into next week and he finds himself on his back early. Able to beat the count, Soi bulls him into a corner and starts letting his hands go. After copping some right hands, and unable to actively defend himself, the referee steps in to stop the carnage in the very first round.</div>
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<strong><u>Corporate</u></strong></div>
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Anna Leilua beat Veronica Maxwell by knockout in round 1<br />The bout between Peter Morrow and Jai Hill was declared a draw<br />Dan Fleming beat Shaun George by unanimous decision<br />Monica Tai beat Margo Smith by knockout in round 2<br />Gavin Speak beat Mike Burkett by majority decision<br />James Tonga beat Matt Sakavia by majority decision<br />Joel Smith beat Andre Choi by majority decision<br />Junior Bilbar beat Hadleigh Donald by knockout in round 1<br />Riaan Malaau beat Nathan Matonga by majority decision<br />Jordan Tolova’a beat Norman Iopu by knockout by round 3<br />The bout between Nick Suka and Kurt Mahani was ruled a majority draw</div>
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<u><strong>Professional</strong></u><br />Lee Oti beat Dicky Pereira by knockout in round 3<br />Soulon Pownceby beat Peter Tovio by knockout after Tovio retired after round 4<br />Hemi Takarua beat Simi Tietie by knockout after Tietie retired after round 1<br />Rohit Sing beat Anmal Tiger by knockout in round 2<br />Vaitele Soi beat Filipo Masoe by knockout in round 1<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/3571">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-35676288511540642042011-11-16T21:53:00.000-08:002012-04-27T21:53:29.953-07:00Shuriken proves a Shore thing with Rising Soldiers<br />
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November 12th saw Shuriken MMA return to the North Shore Events Center following their extremely popular ‘Armageddon’ in April and, on the surface, ‘Rising Soldiers’ looked to be a carbon copy. Packed house? Check. High quality explosive bouts? Check. Brandon Ropati? Check. Shuriken would, once again, prove this to be a winning formula as all in attendance were served up 13 mixed martial arts bouts encompassing Corporate, B Class, A Class and Professional bouts.</div>
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Arthur Lasike and Wesley Higgins declared war on each other in an early Fight of the Night candidate. Lasike seems intent to brawl early as he wings heavy punches and walks through everything offered in return. A huge hook shakes Higgins to his shoes near the end of the first round and he is lucky to survive the round. He is able to return the favour in the second, dropping Lasike, but he is unable to capitalize. The final stanza is tight as Higgins lands right hands while Lasike counter-punches effectively. After seemingly leaving everything they have in the ring, the judges find this bout too close to call and ask these gladiators to squeeze out one more round. When the dust settled, it was Lasike still standing tall, as he won the final round on the back of his takedowns and precision punching.</div>
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Brad Ramsey sets the standard for the A Class bouts with his first round knockout of Keanu Roberts. Barely giving his opponent time to think, Ramsey jumps Roberts early and the fight goes to the ground. Ramsey unleashes heavy ground and pound and, due to accumulation of punches, the referee is forced to step in and save a tenderized Roberts from further punishment.</div>
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CrossFit proponent Logan Price was given a jiu-jitsu lesson by Yakob Brown in another A Class bout. Price reels from a right hand early before he is taken down. Brown softens up his foe with punches from the top before Price gives up his back and is submitted with a rear naked choke in the opening stanza.</div>
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Seemingly wanting to be part of the ‘first round crew’, Sam Gascoigne submitted Alex Redhead with a guillotine choke barely a couple of minutes into the contest. Redhead shoots early on his adversary, and slams him to the mat, however Gascoigne manages to trap him in a guillotine. No matter how hard he tries, Redhead can not free himself and is forced to tap out.</div>
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Professional Light Heavyweight Brandon Ropati continued to impress after steam rolling Australia’s Piki Te Ringa in under a minute. Both fighters clinch early before Ropati picks up Te Ringa and almost drives him through the floor. Te Ringa makes it back to all fours however Ropati connects with a couple bombs before a vicious uppercut relieves his opponent of his senses and drops him hard on his face. The display further put the New Zealand Light Heavyweight on notice as “The Wrath” improved to 4-0.</div>
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<u>Kickboxing</u><br />Jazz Collins beat Makere Phillips by split decision</div>
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<u>MMA B Class Bouts</u><br />Leyla Okay (Roundhouse) beat Leiarra Radonich (Gracie Barra) by unanimous decision</div>
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Yukon Kemp (Syndikit MMA) beat Daemen Sani (Auckland MMA) by split decision</div>
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Matt Yeoman (Ground Control) beat Mike Su (Shuriken) by submission (rear naked choke) in the first round</div>
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Charles Wardle (Tu kaha Gym) beat Max Toaka (Syndikit MMA) by majority decision</div>
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BJ Yeoman (Ground Control) beat Mathew Samson (Integrated Fighting) by split decision</div>
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Adam Stringer (Shuriken MMA/Gracie Barra) beat Samuel Kim (A.U.M.M.A) by split decision</div>
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The bout between Arthur Lasike (Shuriken) Wesley Higgins (Integrated Fighting) was original called a majority draw however Lasike would end up beating Higgins by split decision after a fourth round</div>
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<u>MMA A Class Bouts</u><br />Brad Ramsey (Hybrid MMA) beat Keanu Roberts (Syndikit MMA) by KO (punches) in the first round</div>
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Yakob Brown (JR Macgyver/Crolin Gracie) beat Logan Price (Shuriken) by submission (rear naked choke) in the first round</div>
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Sam Gascoigne (Gracie Barra) beat Alex Redhead (Tu Kaha Gym) by submission (guillotine choke) in the first round</div>
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<u>Pro Class International Bouts</u><br />Pumau Campbell (JR Macgyver/Crolin Gracie) was disqualified in his bout against Hana Janan (Australia) after delivering an illegal upkick in the first round</div>
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Brandon Ropati (Gracie Barra) beat Piki Te Ringa (Australia) by KO (punches) in the first round - 1mins 13secs<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/3560">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-53062928203733506242011-11-01T21:51:00.000-07:002012-04-27T21:51:40.821-07:00King for a Day, Cool for a Lifetime: King of the Ring MAX<br />
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Elite Thai Kickboxing (ETK) has long been one of, if not the, premier kickboxing promotion in the New Zealand scene. Headed by former K1 World Champion Jason “Psycho” Suttie, it’s fighters embody a pedigree not often seen on these shores.</div>
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Their latest instalment, King of the Ring MAX, would contain an 8 man middleweight tournament headlined by Anz ‘Notorious’ Nansen facing off against Erik ‘The Mustang’ Nosa for the vacant WKBF World Heavyweight championship.</div>
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City Lee Gar prospect Brad Riddell quickly established himself as a front runner with his <img alt="Brad Riddell [City Lee Gar, Auckland] vs Brendan Varty [Harleys Kickboxing, Masterton]" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Fight2-(3)bradleegar.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 244px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 315px;" />second round decimation of Brendan Varty. Varty’s early volume and combination punching couldn’t rattle the super cool Riddell, who picked his openings and landed dynamite lead hooks. Varty continues to press during the second round, as he is able to corner Riddell and rip hooks to his body. This is a strategy that works well for him until Riddell uncorks a left hook that puts Varty on a street that he doesn’t know the name of. Although he rises, he is instantly buckled and the referee is forced to step in as he is helpless to stop the pressure.<img alt="Joey 'The Filipino Kid' Baylon vs Chris Wells [SMAC] " src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Fight-6-(3)chrissmac.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 348px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 278px;" /></div>
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In the toughest draw of the preliminary bouts, Joe Hopkins won a hard fought decision over Dmitri Simoukov. Simoukov appeared to have trouble with Hopkins southpaw style early and eats a knee to the head that deposits him half way across the ring. Tough as all get out, Simoukov makes it to his feet and lasts the rest of the round. The second stanza is far more successful for ‘Molotov’, who is able to trade with Hopkins in a back and forth round. Hopkins starts to use his length in the final round and controls most of the action. Knowing that he needs a big round, Simoukov ups the tempo however it is not enough in the eyes of the judges.</div>
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In a rematch, Lightweight contenders Chris Wells and Joey Baylon threw volleys of kicks and punches at each other over three furious round in the evenings first ‘Superfight’. Wells took control of the bout by pushing the pace and landing kicks to the body over the first two rounds and a spinning back kick in the final stanza to take a unanimous judges nod.</div>
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The King of the Ring tournament continued with the semi-final bouts. In the upset of the tournament, Edwin Samy edged Brad Riddell on the judge’s cards. Riddell’s sharp boxing was on display as he landed hard right hands and was able to stifle Samy’s offence. Samy started to exert himself more in the last two rounds, which was seemingly enough to take an unpopular decision.</div>
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<img alt="Joe 'Southpaw' Hopkins vs Girish Rae" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Fight-8-(2)joeleegar.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 415px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 411px;" /></div>
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In the other semi-final, Jo Hopkins was clinical in dispatching the towering Girish Rae in the opening round. Hopkins showed little respect for Rae’s power and hurt him with every straight left he landed. Rae is bulled into a corner before a left hand and a knee put him out for the count.</div>
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Local favourite Antz ‘Notorious’ Nansen battered Erik Nosa for four rounds in a brutal display to capture the WKBF Heavyweight title. Nansen wasted no time in the ring, getting into</div>
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<img alt="Antz Nansen vs Erik Nosa" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Title-Fight--(4)antz.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 381px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 472px;" /></div>
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the groove early and showing poise in picking his openings. Nosa was game but ultimately overwhelmed as the ETK prodigy blasted him with hooks, dropping him in the third, and</div>
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<img alt="Joe 'Southpaw' Hopkins vs Edwin 'Electric' Samy " src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Fight-10-(2).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 291px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 281px;" /></div>
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twice in the fourth, until he was unable to answer the referee’s count.</div>
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Despite the wear and tear of the two previous bouts, Jo Hopkins and Edwin Samy went toe-to-toe in the King of the Ring MAX middleweight final. The first round was tightly contested as both landed their share of punishment. Samy’s technical style served him well in the second stanza as Hopkins seemingly had trouble working him out. Sensing a close fight,</div>
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both competitors went to war in the final round and, as Samy got the better of the exchanges, Hopkins started to box more and control the distance. In the end, the judges award a split decision, and the King of the Ring middleweight title, to Jo “Southpaw” Hopkins in a fight that could’ve easily gone the other way.</div>
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<img alt="Joe 'Southpaw' Hopkins " src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Fight-10-(5).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 478px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 451px;" /></div>
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Results</span></strong></u></div>
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The bout between Ricky Hita [ETK] and Travis Green [Strikeforce] was declared a no contest as Hita appeared to injure his knee in the first round.</div>
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<u><strong>King of the Ring Preliminaries</strong></u><br />Brad Riddell [City Lee Gar, Auckland] beat Brendan Varty [Harleys Kickboxing, Masterton] by TKO in round 2</div>
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Edwin 'Electric' Samy [ETK, Auckland] beat Sonny Sadler [Hardmans Gym, Northland] by unanimous decision</div>
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Joe 'Southpaw' Hopkins [City Lee Gar, Auckland] beat Dimitri 'Molotov' Simoukov [ETK, Auckland] by unanimous decision</div>
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Girish Rae [Fi-G Training, Dunedin] beat Taylor Holland [Pathai Gym, Auckland] by unanimous decision</div>
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<u><strong>Professional Lightweight Bout</strong></u><br />Chris Wells [SMAC] beat Joey 'The Filipino Kid' Baylon [ETK] by unanimous decision</div>
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<u><strong>King of the Ring Semi-Finals</strong></u><br />Edwin 'Electric' Samy [ETK, Auckland] beat Brad Riddell [City Lee Gar, Auckland] by split decision</div>
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Joe 'Southpaw' Hopkins [City Lee Gar, Auckland] beat Girish Rae [Fi-G Training, Dunedin] by knockout in round 1</div>
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<u><strong>WKBF Heavyweight Championship bout</strong></u><br />Antz 'Notorious' Nansen (ETK, Auckland) beat Erik 'The Mustang' Nosa (Bustler’s Gym, Sydney) by knockout in round 4</div>
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<u><strong>King of the Ring MAX Final</strong></u><br />Joe 'Southpaw' Hopkins [City Lee Gar, Auckland] beat Edwin 'Electric' Samy [ETK, Auckland] by split decision<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/2593">NZFighters article found here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-65583353668138754612011-08-03T21:41:00.000-07:002012-04-27T21:48:25.829-07:00Westie Democracy: Supremacy 8<br />
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A good cross section of the Auckland MMA community, sprinkled with West Auckland’s most glamorous, turned out for the Strikeforce-promoted Supremacy 8. Being only one generation removed from my Westie heritage, the drive out to Henderson’s West Wave Aquatic Centre almost felt like going home. The fact that I was, indeed, returning West to cover an MMA event juxtaposed my past and present.</div>
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After bearing witness to the monster that was Supremacy 7, I knew there would be no way that I could ever let myself miss another Supremacy. Not natural disaster, nor zombie <img alt="mma" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Supremacy-8-(15-of-49).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 359px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 240px;" />apocalypse, nor birth of my first child would ever get in my way.</div>
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This heavily stacked card was headlined by two title fights, which included Heavyweight champion Sam “Striker” Brown defending against Porirua’s Pete Aberdeen. </div>
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The patron crowd were barely able to settle into their Woodstock eight percenters before they were treated to a dramatic tussle between Dre Rahupere and Mararau Williams. Williams' strength gave him the upper hand as he was able to take Rahupere down and rain down vicious shots on him. </div>
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Rahupere attempted to counter from his back by applying an arm bar. However, Williams shook it off and went back to his ground and pound. Seemingly unaware of his game plan, Williams suddenly found himself trapped in a triangle choke which he submitted to. Giving the packed house a full fight's worth of action in barely a round.</div>
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Heavyweights Mika Maliefulu and George Williams collided over three rounds like two freight trains. Despite his size disadvantage, Maliefulu’s better technique, conditioning and precision were apparent early as he caught Williams with right hands. Furious exchanges defined the first round, however, they seemed to take their toll on Williams. The fight went to ground early in the second, where Williams was able to sweep to mount. His ground and pound seemed ineffectual, though, and he was unable to capitalize on his positional advantage. Seemingly tied up going into the final round, both combatants threw caution to the wind and tried to assert their will on the other. Maliefulu’s left hook was doing some serious damage, when Williams shot for a takedown. Unable to secure and taking heavy fire, Williams’ corner threw in the towel to save their fighter further punishment.</div>
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In a fight of the night performance, Ev Ting eked out a split decision win over game Mark Abelardo. Ting’s flashy offence highlighted his kickboxing pedigree during the opening round, and Abelardo appeared outgunned on his feet. Aberlardo had more success in the second round, attempting a guillotine choke before taking Ting down and getting into<img alt="Mark Abelardo" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Supremacy-8-(33-of-49).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 406px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 470px;" />his guard. Unfortunately, his efforts appeared to be in vain as he was unable to translate position into advantage. Going into the third, both fighters knew they needed the round to secure the win. Ting scored a brief takedown before pushing Abelardo up against the cage. Unable to advance and with the round seemingly tied up, Ting took his foot off for a brief second allowing Abelardo to explode and slam Ting to the mat. His ground and pound was rabid, but it was simply a case of too little, too late as the bell signalled the end to a thrilling match.</div>
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The first title fight of the night saw champion Dan Hooker withstand some early pressure to submit challenger Scott MacGregor. MacGregor opened the bout showing movement of head and foot, before eating a head kick. His grappling chops proved fruitful as he was able to get Hooker’s back. The champion showed his mettle in getting back to his feet, but Hooker quickly seized on a MacGregor mistake and locked him up in a guillotine. Unable to free himself and running short of oxygen, the challenger tapped out before the end of the opening stanza.</div>
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Heavyweight champion Sam Brown came out to an applause worthy of the most decorated Roman gladiator, before wearing down and choking out Pete Aberdeen in the second round. Aberdeen seemed tentative at first before attempting a guillotine. Brown was able to escape and muscled his opponent against the cage for the remainder of the round. The champion was able to exert his better hands in the second round, and seemed a puzzle Aberdeen could not work out as he was reduced to whipping leg kicks. Sensing his moment, Brown picked up the challenger and drove him into the mat, beating and bloodying him from side control. The effective punishment was wearing Aberdeen down, and he unwillingly gave up his back before Brown softened him up with some more punches and sunk in a rear naked choke for the win.</div>
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Although smaller than its predecessor, Supremacy 8 was still the same slick promotion with the kind of great matchups that I had come to expect from the crew at Strikeforce gym. The support given to all the fighters, particularly Heavyweight king Sam “Striker” Brown, is only further proof of mixed martial arts' ascension in our popular culture.</div>
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<img alt="Sam Brown" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Supremacy-8-(47-of-49).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 306px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 462px;" /></div>
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<strong>Dre Rahipere</strong>(Hibiscus MMA) beat <strong>Mararau Williams </strong>(Strikeforce Gym) by submission via triangle choke in round 1</div>
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<strong>Calib Lally</strong>(JR McGyver/Crolin Gracie) beat <strong>Norten Craig </strong>(Syndikit MMA) by decision</div>
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<strong>Rob Farquhar </strong>(Oliver MMA) beat <strong>Geoff Rauporo </strong>(Strikeforce Gym) by knockout when the referee stopped the fight due to strikes in round 2</div>
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<strong>Simon Scott </strong>(City MMA) beat <strong>Arthur Lasike </strong>(Shuriken MMA) by submission via rear naked choke in round 3</div>
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<strong>Anton Milnes </strong>(Syndikit MMA) beat <strong>Paul Paitai </strong>(Strikeforce Gym) by submission via leg triangle in round 3</div>
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<strong>Sese Start </strong>(Strikeforce Gym) beat <strong>Victor Kololo </strong>(Shuriken MMA) by decision</div>
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<strong>Aaron Mitchel</strong>(Hybrid MMA) beat <strong>Steve Kopeke</strong> (Faith MMA) by submission via guillotine choke in round 2</div>
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<strong>Beau Rawiri</strong> (Strikeforce Gym) beat <strong>Yukon Kemp</strong> (Syndikit MMA) by knockout when the referee stopped the fight due to strikes in round 1</div>
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<strong>Mika Maliefulu</strong>( Oliver MMA) beat <strong>George Williams</strong> (JR McGyver/Crolin Gracie) by knockout after Williams’ corner threw in the towell in round 3</div>
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<strong>Ev Ting</strong>(Auckland MMA) beat <strong>Mark Abelardo</strong> (Strikeforce Gym) by split decision</div>
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<u><strong>Supremacy Lightweight Title Fight</strong></u></div>
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<strong>Dan Hooker</strong> (Strikeforce Gym) retained his title against <strong>Scott MacGregor</strong> (Timaru Freestyle MMA) by submission via guillotine choke in round 1</div>
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<u><strong>Supremacy Heavyweight Title Fight</strong></u></div>
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<strong>Sam Brown </strong>(Strikeforce Gym) retained his title against <strong>Pete Aberdeen</strong> (Porirua MMA) by submission via rear naked choke in round 2.</div>
<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/2076">NZFighters article here</a>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-16437474326202658272011-06-22T21:39:00.000-07:002012-04-27T21:50:17.488-07:00Judgement Day 2: This Time It’s Not Biblical<br />
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Having already survived the now-cancelled Judgement Day on May 21<sup>st</sup>, it was only fitting that I viewed any kind of projected apocalypse with relative apathy. For I had sold all my earthly possessions and made peace with anyone I felt I had wronged. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the weird hermit down the street and the librarian who continually fines me <img alt="Soulan Pownceby beat John Conway" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Soulan%20Pownceby%20vs%20John%20Conway-5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 207px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 311px;" />appreciated it. However, as I am now forced to buy another car, find another job and cancel all the sponsorships of children from places I could never pronounce, the whole experience reeked of another “Wolf” call that I was more than willing to heed. </div>
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The absolute storm that was heaved at Auckland on Friday night piqued my interest as an actual precursor to the action. As it turned out, the only judgement came in the ring as a large contingent of fight fans braved the elements to seek refuge from the torrential downpour inside the Auckland Boxing Association Stadium for the Bruce Glozier promoted Judgement Day 2 boxing show.</div>
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Headlined by the WBO Asia Pacific Light Heavyweight title bout contested by Soulan Pownceby and John Conway, the evening presented a mix of corporate and professional bouts showcasing the talents of such names as Afa Tatapu and Robert “The Butcher” Berridge. </div>
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<img alt="Afa Tatapu beat Lightning Lupe" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Afa%20Tatupu%20vz%20Lightning%20Lupe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 213px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 293px;" />In early corporate boxing action, heavyweight Goliaths Becoy Paleaseina and Mike Tauliili thrilled the crowd in a bout that was filled with bombs powerful enough to level a small city. </div>
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Paleaseina went after his opponent from the first bell, winging his dynamite lead hook and throwing everything with bad intentions. Tauliili began to return fire more during the second round, but Paleaseina used his head movement to create countering opportunities. At the end of the round Tauliili had had enough, giving Paleaseina the knockout win.</div>
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Top ten Kiwi Heavyweight Afa Tatupu made short work of Lightning Lupe by stopping him in the opening round. Lupe appeared outgunned right from the opening bell. Although game, it wasn’t long before Lupe was trapped against the ropes and under heavy fire that forced his corner to throw in the towel.</div>
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New Zealand Light-Heavyweight contender Taito Raturere continued his unbeaten run with a third round TKO win over Peter Tovio. Raturere utilized his advantages in height and reach over the course of the entire bout, becoming more precise as his opponent began to look more wild. Midway through the third round, with their fighter seemingly unable to find a solution, Tovio’s corner wisely halted the fight.</div>
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<img alt="Taito Raturere beat Peter Tovio" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Taito%20Ratuere%20vz%20Peter%20Tovio-3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 362px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 482px;" /></div>
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Meanwhile in the main event, it was Soulan Pownceby that retained his WBO Asia Pacific Light Heavyweight title with an eleventh round knockout over seasoned veteran John “The Rebel” Conway. </div>
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Pownceby controlled the action for much of the fight, landing sharp combinations and hard crosses. Conway had more success between round three and six, but Pownceby’s punches looked to be wearing him down. It only seemed like a matter of time over the second half of the fight as Conway continued to eat the punches Pownceby was serving up.</div>
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Pownceby lost a point in the eleventh round for leading with his elbow, but he immediately came back and landed a right hand which looked as though it rocked Conway. The ensuing pressure eventually put Conway on the deck. And although he was able to beat the count, the legendary fighter looked like he had run out of steam as the defending champion landed a slew of unanswered punches before the referee stopped the fight in his favour.</div>
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It was a superb performance by Pownceby, with bouts both dramatic and captivating; and then, with the rain promising to hang up its gloves and the next biblical rapture now scheduled for October, fight fans could return home knowing they had witnessed something significant. </div>
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<u><strong>RESULTS</strong></u></h1>
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<u><strong>Corporate</strong></u></div>
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<strong>Coraline Wood</strong> beat <strong>Chardei Savage</strong> by unanimous decision<br />
<strong>Andrew Taniwha</strong> beat <strong>Doug Simpson</strong> by knockout in round 2<br />
<strong>Becoy Paleaseina</strong> beat <strong>Mike Tauliili</strong> by knockout in round 2<br />
<strong>Sione Siale</strong> beat <strong>Prince Brown</strong> by unanimous decision<br />
<strong>David Craig</strong> beat <strong>Steve Raffaelli</strong> by unanimous decision<br />
<strong>Joe Bethan</strong> beat <strong>Kuiesa Etuale</strong> by unanimous decision</div>
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<u><strong>Professional</strong></u></div>
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<strong>Lee Oti Tupai</strong> beat <strong>Filiata Mailata</strong> by knockout in round 3<br />
<strong>Afa Tatapu</strong> beat <strong>Lightning Lupe</strong> by knockout in round 1<br />
<strong>Robbie Berridge</strong> beat <strong>Mose Ioelu</strong> by disqualification in round 2<br />
<strong>Taito Raturere</strong> beat <strong>Peter Tovio</strong> by technical knockout in round 3<br />
<strong>Soulan Pownceby</strong> beat <strong>John Conway</strong> by knockout in round 11<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/1620">NZFighters article here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-15748627952438984562011-06-02T21:37:00.000-07:002012-04-27T21:49:17.831-07:00Rāhoroi Night Is Alright For Fighting: King of the Ring<br />
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Maybe it’s the unpredictability, maybe it was a childhood of Jean-Claude Van Damme movies, or maybe it’s just the fact that I am a product of the YouTube generation, with an attention span so incremental and sporadic that I expect to view an event that is a whole career jammed into one digestible evening. Whatever it may be, I always found myself <img alt="Nato Laauli (Alpha Thai Boxing, Wellington) beat Tafa Misipati (ETK)" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/TAFAVSNato.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 196px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 295px;" />attracted to tournaments as they always provided unpredictable battles of attrition where there is no way to plan for your opponent. </div>
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And so the ASB Stadium would hold the Elite Thai Kickboxing promoted ‘King Of The Ring’, an action packed affair including an 8 man heavyweight tournament combined with contests for national and world titles. </div>
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Favourites Antz Nansen and Nato Laauli established themselves early with strong performances in their preliminary bouts. In many people’s eyes, the two finalists were sown up however the semi-final matches would test many of the certainties <img alt="Josh 'Jaguar' Heta" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Josh%20'Jaguar'%20Heta.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 291px;" />gained for the initial bouts. Antz Nansen would turn out another strong performance in decisioning Henry Taani with the other semi-final, an excitement fest between Joshua ‘Jaguar’ Heta and Nato Laauli, going right down to the wire. After seeming dominant during the first two rounds, Laauli has the fight brought to him by Heta, who is looking to mix it up. The draw declared by the judges only whets the appetite of the crowd as they thirst for another round much like the heavily contested third. When the dust finally settled, it would be Heta whose hand would be raised in a bout that could of gone either way. </div>
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In the first world title bout contested of the evening, Bronwyn Wylie took on Melbourne’s Tegan Papasergi for the WFBK Featherweight title. The aggressive Wylie pushed forward early while Papasergi tried to establish distance with her kicks. The Australian just couldn’t keep her opponent off her as Wylie simply walks through anything Papasergi throws. <img alt="Roger Earp (Elite Thai Kickboxing) beat Joseph Concha (BULLDOG GYM, SYDNEY)" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Rogerearpwrldtitle.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 242px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 331px;" />This unrelenting pressure would prove decisive as Wylie is awarded both a unanimous decision and the WKBF Featherweight belt.</div>
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Roger Earp was pushed to the wire by Joe Concha in defending his WKBF Junior Lightweight title. Earp started the bout landing combinations however Concha began to work him out and counter effectively. Every round was up for grabs as the two combatants did everything they could to win each three minute stanza. The split decision awarded to Earp would be testament to the competitiveness of the bout.</div>
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<img alt="'Notorious' Antz Nansen (ETK, Auckland)" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Antznansenkingofthering.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 254px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 340px;" />Three 3 minute rounds is now the only thing that stood between either Antz Nansen or Joshua Heta, $7,000 in prize money and the King of the Ring title. Eleven minutes between challenger and champion with the final a classic battle of pairing an unstoppable force with an immovable object. </div>
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Nansen comes out early exerting pressure and he slips a Heta attempt and lands a four punch combination before the bell. The intensity is thick in the second round with ‘Notorious’ landing heavy punches. Heta is as tough as they come and exchanging willingly but a spinning backfist gets his attention. In one of the most exciting rounds witness in New Zealand kickboxing, Heta <img alt="EVE GORDON - King Of The Ring" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/EVE%20GORDON%20king.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 290px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 269px;" />and Nansen go toe-to-toe in the final stanza. Nansen’s spinning backfists and right hands seem to be the defining factors, although this is something that can only be assumed by the sound they make as Heta doesn’t believe in taking backward steps. After three gruelling battles, ‘Notorious’ Antz Nansen would be crowned ‘King of the Ring.’</div>
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The crew at Elite Thai Kickboxing succeeded in putting on another entertaining show. All bouts exciting and consequential, all fighters game and without any lull in the action. This would lead to one reporter being heavily entertained.</div>
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<u>King of the Ring Results</u></h4>
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<strong>Oneil Wiperi</strong> (SMAC) beat <strong>Ricky Hita</strong> (ETK) by unanimous decision</div>
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<u><strong>King of the Ring Tournament Preliminaries</strong></u></div>
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<strong>Nato Laauli</strong> (Alpha Thai Boxing, Wellington) beat <strong>Tafa Misipati</strong> (ETK, Auckland) by unanimous decision</div>
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<strong>Antz Nansen</strong> (ETK, Auckland) beat Junior Ioane (Highlanders, Napier) by TKO-R1 </div>
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<strong>Josh 'Jaguar' Heta</strong> beats <strong>Omar Gabriel</strong> by unanimous decision</div>
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<strong>Henry Taani</strong> (South Auckland Lee Gar, Auckland) beats <strong>Sasha Kunts </strong>(City Lee Gar) by unanimous decision</div>
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<u><strong>King of the Ring Tournament Semi-Finals</strong></u></div>
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<strong>'Notorious' Antz Nansen</strong> (ETK, Auckland) beat <strong>Henry Taani</strong> (South Auckland Lee Gar, Auckland)</div>
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The fight between <strong>Josh 'Jaguar' Heta</strong> (Sa Ming Jai, Northland) and <strong>Nato Laauli</strong> (Alpha Thai Boxing, Wellington) was declared a draw after three rounds. After a fourth round, Heta was declared the winner.</div>
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<strong>James Gordon</strong> (ETK) beat <strong>Rod MacSwain</strong> (STRIKEFORCE) by split decision</div>
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<strong>Bronwyn Wylie </strong>(ETK) beat <strong>Tegan Papasergi </strong>(HANGAR 4, MELBOURNE) by unanimous decision</div>
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<strong>'WILD' Roger Earp</strong> (Elite Thai Kickboxing) beat <strong>Joseph Concha</strong> (BULLDOG GYM, SYDNEY) by split decision</div>
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<strong><u>King of the Ring Tournament Final</u></strong><br />
<strong>Antz 'Notorious' Nansen</strong> (ETK, Auckland) beat <strong>Josh 'Jaguar' Heta</strong> (Sa Ming Jai, Northland) by unanimous decision<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/1395">NZFighters article here</a></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-36551401987064664452011-05-05T21:33:00.000-07:002012-04-27T21:35:11.995-07:00Armageddon It – Shuriken MMA on the Shore<br />
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Brotherhood. It's a term used to describe a collective of people whose shared experience or beliefs are so great that it literally binds them like family. Brotherhood transcends race, creed, class, geographic location and, when it counts, it is your brothers that pick you up and dust you off.<img alt="Armageddon, Shuriken MMA" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Armageddon%20article%20(5%20of%205).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 224px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 350px;" /></div>
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And thus was the case with Shuriken MMA South Africa, who graciously accepted our hospitality in providing opposition at the MMA show Armageddon, held last Saturday on Auckland's North Shore; with the proceeds helping to rebuild Strike Force Canterbury, which was severely damaged in both the September and February earthquakes. Tragically, South African coach Kevin Thomas passed away in the week leading up to the fight, and all involved champed at the bit for the chance to honour what was lost.<img alt="Armageddon, Shuriken MMA TJ Masters" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Armageddon%20article%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 251px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 167px;" /></div>
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The local MMA community came out in full force, to the tune of 2200 fans packing the North Shore Events Centre and filling the rest of the space with their vocal support. A cocktail of kickboxing and both A and B class MMA bouts awaited, headlined by three professional bouts between the South African and Kiwi contingents.</div>
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Colossus Geoffrey Ruaporo was explosive in making short work of TJ Masters. Clearly intent on swinging for the fences, Ruaporo’s first landed right hand put Masters down and the follow-up pressure was a mere formality.</div>
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Selby Devereux faced off against Fernando Junior in a tough bout dominated (at least early) by ground work. All Junior’s hard work would come unstuck in the third, however, as a simple slip was pounced on by Devereux, who worked for his opponent’s back before sinking in a rear naked choke.<img alt="Armageddon, Shuriken MMA" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Armageddon%20article%20(2%20of%205).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; height: 140px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 250px;" /></div>
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In a fight of the night performance, Mikaele Maliefulu weathered some vicious ground and pound before stopping Leo Pole with strikes. The fight was all Pole for the first two rounds, until he was dropped by a hard right in the third round. Rather than capitulate, Pole made this a genuine ‘fasi’ as the two stood toe-to-toe. Maliefulu continued to get the better of the exchanges, and the referee called it off as Pole was not actively defending himself.</div>
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In the co-headliner, crowd favourite Brandon Ropati squared off against South African James Rennie. Both fighters had some success on the ground, but Ropati’s size and strength proved to be the determining factor as he ground out a unanimous decision win.<img alt="Armageddon, Shuriken MMA" src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/Armageddon%20(6%20of%206).jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 202px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 200px;" /></div>
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Main event fighters, Cole Davids (NZ) and Donavin Hawkey (South Africa), put on a clear fight of two halves. Hawkey’s power and precision punching controlled the show early as every punch he threw was crisp and intended to hurt. His hands appeared to be too much, until mid-way through the second round. Davids swept Hawkey from the bottom and mounted; from where he started throwing the kitchen sink at a seemingly tired Hawkey. The referee had seen enough at this point and rightfully called off the contest.</div>
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Full credit to the worldwide Shuriken family, who put on perhaps the best MMA show seen on our fair shores. Regardless of result, all the fighters' efforts were a fitting tribute to the MMA brotherhood, Strike Force Canterbury and I am sure Thomas would only have been proud with the warriors on display.</div>
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<u>RESULTS</u></h1>
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<u><em>Professional</em></u></div>
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<strong>Cole Davids </strong>(Strikeforce) beat <strong>Donavin Hawkey </strong>(KTFA/Shurikan SA) by <strong>TKO</strong> (strikes) in the 2nd round</div>
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<strong>Brandon Ropati </strong>(Gracie Barra) beat <strong>James Rennie </strong>(KTFA/Shurikan SA) by <strong>unanimous decision</strong></div>
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<strong>Ronald Dlamini </strong>(KTFA/Shurikan SA) beat <strong>Damian Lee </strong>(Gracie Barra) by <strong>unanimous decision</strong></div>
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<u><em>Amateur</em></u></div>
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<strong>Mikaele Maliefulu</strong> (Gracie Barra) beat <strong>Leo Pole </strong>(Strikeforce) by <strong>TKO</strong> (strikes) in the 3rd round</div>
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<strong>Selby Devereux </strong>(Gracie Barra) beat <strong>Fernando Junior </strong>(Tu Kaha Gym) by <strong>submission</strong> (rear naked choke) in the 3rd round</div>
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<strong>Lance Vale</strong> (Shuriken MMA) beat <strong>Leka Skipworth </strong>(Strikeforce) by <strong>KO</strong> (strike) in the 1st round</div>
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<strong>Victor Kalolo</strong> (Shuriken MMA) beat <strong>Mark Jelicich </strong>(Tu Kaha Gym) by <strong>TKO</strong> (strikes) in the 3rd round</div>
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<strong>Arthur Laske </strong>(Shuriken MMA) beat <strong>Hakopa Hux Wilkie </strong>(Tu Kaha Gym) by <strong>majority decision</strong></div>
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<strong>Adam Christian</strong> (Shuriken MMA) beat <strong>Luwayne Lowe</strong> (Ground Control) by <strong>unanimous decision</strong></div>
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<strong>Geoffrey Ruaporo </strong>(Strikeforce) beat <strong>TJ Masters </strong>(Roney BJJ) by <strong>TKO</strong> (strikes) in the 1st round</div>
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<strong>Sese Start</strong> (Strikeforce) beat <strong>Marley Mackay</strong> (Shuriken MMA) by <strong>submission</strong> (rear naked choke) in the 1st round</div>
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<strong>Kavi Rai </strong>(Auckland MMA) beat <strong>Kadin Leuten </strong>(Roundhouse Kickboxing) by <strong>split decision</strong></div>
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<strong>Alex Redhead</strong> (Tu Kaha Gym) beat <strong>Adam Wellington </strong>(Shuriken MMA) by <strong>submission </strong>(rear naked choke) in the 1st round</div>
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<strong>Michael Hunter</strong> (Submission MMA) beat <strong>Dave Lucas </strong>(Shuriken MMA) by <strong>split decision</strong></div>
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<strong>Caleb Lally</strong> (Roney BJJ) beat<strong> Matt McMeeking</strong> (Shuriken MMA) by <strong>unanimous decision</strong></div>
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<u><em>Kickboxing</em></u></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong>Ev Ting</strong> (Auckland MMA) beat <strong>Jimmy Moorhouse </strong>(Roundhouse Kickboxing) when the <strong>referee stopped the bout due to injury</strong></div>
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<strong>Jessie Sabine</strong> (Shuriken MMA) beat <strong>Ruiha Epiha </strong>by <strong>split decision<a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/1202">NZFighters article</a></strong></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-9602595830624878722011-04-22T01:26:00.000-07:002011-05-03T01:27:46.627-07:00Pro-Am Boxing RevillationsOriginal can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/1189">here</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; " ><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">Located in the heart of the Pakuranga/Howick region, Lloyd Elsmore Park enriched my youth. Whether it was rugby, badminton, swimming, skateboarding, boxing training or simply venturing down to the netball courts on windy days, I seemed to gravitate there unconsciously. So it was almost a no-brainer that I was at the Pakuranga United Rugby Football Club to watch a night of Pro-Am boxing courtesy of Revill’s Boxing Gym as, geographic alliances aside, their cards have always been outstanding.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">Headlined by the much anticipated Jake Revill versus Monte Filimaea rematch, this card would boast nine amateur, corporate and professional fights; which included Kylie Revill Bell’s first professional venture, as well as showcasing local talents Braveley Meti-Matau and Ethan Kulatea.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">The East Auckland massive was clearly in attendance as I entered to a crowd full of familiar faces. And as if part of some grand cosmic scheme, I couldn’t be more on time.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">Young prospect Braveley Meti-Matau turned out another aggressive performance in winning a decision over Joe Williams early in the card. His hand speed, combination punching and ring generalship held firm for the first couple of rounds, whilst Williams’ efforts were game but mostly ineffective – eating four and only throwing out one punch.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">A Williams counter got the attention of his opponent early in the third round, but this only seemed to inspire him further. Meti-Matau’s conditioning and constant pressure still had Williams backing up constantly, from where he was forced to land single counters. By the end of the third, the opinion of both the crowd and the judges was unanimous.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">In a corporate welterweight bout, Kylie Revill Bell faced off against Keena Payne. The crowd support was huge for Revill Bell, who had evident advantages in size and strength. Payne was a buzz-saw of activity, throwing flurries of punches, but seemed wary after being caught by Revill Bell’s sledgehammer right hands. She managed a nice right hand counter before the end of the opening stanza, but the ferocity of her attacks seemed draining. Styles were contrasting for the remainder of the bout: Payne attacking like a swarm of bees whilst Revill Bell looked for openings for her right. </p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">Payne’s countering was paying dividends during the second round, as she was able to hurt her foe, and was attempting to walk her down. Fortunes changed, courtesy of a Revill Bell right, and Payne’s legs buckled before she was able to use her footwork and dance out of trouble. The fight was competitive down to the end as Revill Bell poured it on during the final 30 seconds, only too aware that the bout could swing either way. Looking at these two blondes, the saying “a draw is like kissing your sister” only gave the patrons hope, as both participants were awarded a majority equal prize.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">Boxing, by nature, is a fairly brutal pursuit. However, some combatants fight with such skill that they help to justify calling the sport “the sweet science.” Enter Siona Fernandez, who displayed one of the most polished and well-rounded skill sets I have ever witnessed in a women’s bout. Although under-powered, she exhibited a rare display of footwork, head movement, hand speed, combination punching and countering that was close to mesmerizing.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">Her opponent, Marie O’Neill, came forward throwing power punches, but Fernandez was able to dodge most of these with <em>Matrix-</em>like efficiency while boxing cleverly off the back foot. Every time O’Neill was able to land her right hand, Fernandez’s return efforts made her foe seem almost clumsy in her execution. O’Neill came out breathing fire in the final round; however Fernandez was clearly made of something not of this world, as she shook off anything landed and used her all-around class to take a majority decision. <img alt="Jake Revill " src="http://www.nzfighters.com/sites/default/files/images/IMG_5759_6444.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; width: 280px; height: 393px; float: right; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">The first time Monte Filimaea took on Jake Revill, it was an overly messy and heated affair. The ferocity of the bout, regardless of the result, and the obvious ill feeling they both had towards each other, only galvanized the collective desire of the audience at the time for another go around. A grudge match would NEED to happen, and all bets were off.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">The animosity between both was clearly visible before the bout, regardless of the lighting, and both burned holes in each other with steely gazes. Filimaea has improved in leaps and bounds since coming under a new trainer, and looked to be in great condition, while Revill was every bit the top 10 Cruiserweight that he is rated.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">A Revill right hand had Filimaea down early but his mauling style meant Revill couldn’t get the distance he needed. He took this a little far, though, and was docked a point for hitting after the bell. Revill relaxed a little more in the second, and was winning the exchanges and not letting Filimaea close the distance.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">After being penalized another point for excessive holding, Filimaea was again down from another right hand. There was no love lost in this bout as Revill fired combinations with murderous intentions. Clearly frustrated, it seemed Filimaea was not bothered by the final bell and was keen to continue – settings be damned. Revill’s dominance was only confirmed by this return bout as he took a wide unanimous decision.</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">After this second domination by Jake Revill, one must ask “what’s next?” The best answer (after consulting the rankings provided by BoxRec) would seem to be Areta Gilbert; who has been in losing efforts to Shane Chapman and Robbie Berridge, but currently sits higher than Revill in the rankings. If he could get past him then higher profile bouts with Chapman and Berridge would only beckon.</p><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.3; "><u>Fight Results</u></h1><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><br /><strong>Johnny Gose</strong> (Papatoetoe Boxing) beat <strong>Jarrah Swann</strong> (Whangarei Boxing) by majority decision</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><strong>Braveley Meti-Matau</strong> (Revill’s Boxing Gym) beat J<strong>oe Williams</strong> (Kaio Boxing) by unanimous decision</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><strong>Panuve Helu</strong> (Lolo’s Boxing) beat <strong>Rangi Rokena</strong> (Kaio Boxing) when the referee stopped the contest in the first round</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; ">The bought between <strong>Kylie Revill Bell</strong> and <strong>Keena Payne</strong> ended in a majority draw</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><strong>Aneel Pillay</strong> (Papatoetoe Boxing) beat <strong>Joel Smith</strong> (Kaio Boxing) by unanimous decision</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><strong>Ethan Kulatea</strong> (Revill’s Boxing Gym) beat <strong>Jarrah Swann</strong> (Whangarei Boxing) when the referee stopped the contest in the first round</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><strong>Siona Fernandez</strong> (Focus Fit) beat <strong>Marie O’Neill</strong> (Boxfit) by majority decision</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><strong>Anthony Helu</strong> (Papatoetoe Boxing) beat <strong>Dempsey Wilkins</strong> (Lolo’s Boxing) by majority decision</p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><u><strong>Professional</strong></u></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><strong>Jake Revill</strong> beat <strong>Monte Filimaea</strong> by unanimous decision</p></span></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-63051352939692630672011-03-21T17:27:00.000-07:002011-04-15T17:28:07.155-07:00Pacific Boxers out in Force for Tua's Backyard Brawl<span class="Apple-style-span" >Original can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/886">here</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">A strong Pacific influence was everywhere to be found at boxing legend David Tua's Backyard Brawl, as the vibrant colours and sounds of the region filled the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre. The card ahead had a particular Island flavour, and the Usos had clearly come out in force to back not only David Tua, but all the Samoan fighters on display. Floral shirts and lavalava's were the norm and "cha-hoo" echoed enormous as the crowd swelled to over a thousand hungry fight fans.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Almost consciously removed from the magnitude of Tua's homecoming, the undercard provided a steady and entertaining ramp to the main event that featured a high calibre of fighter, including Samoan national champions and a former world titlist.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">New Zealand boxing and kickboxing institution, John Conway, took his second step back on the comeback trail with a tough, although unanimous, decision win over human anvil Fale Saialoa. The early rounds were spent with Conway displaying the versatility and nous in his hands as he was able to control most of the exchanges. Saialoa became more aggressive in the third round, a strategy which culminated in the fourth and final round when he was able to floor an off balance Conway with a counter hook.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">In certainly the most dramatic fight of the night, Afa Tatupu battered Junior Iakopo until the referee called a halt to the action in the second round. King Afa asserted his strength early, as he was able to drop his foe with the first hard combination he threw. Iakopo wasn't about to take this sitting down (literally and figuratively) as he came back to hurt Tatupu with looping shots. The rest of the opening round played out like a group of kids with fireworks: many explosions and a high chance of someone being seriously hurt. This would prove to be the case in the second, as Tatupu punched in sustained combination while Iakopo threw hard singles. With Tatupu still pressing, and Iakopo not offering any resistance, the man in the middle wisely called a halt to the entertainment.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Samoan Commonwealth Games representative, Leti Leti, made short work of journeyman Paz Viejo. Action was heavy early, with Leti's right hand being the most dominant force. Viejo attempted to rally, but was wobbled by a Leti right. Viejo then attempted to clown off the ropes one time too often and walked straight into an uppercut which stretched him out violently. The referee had no need to count, and the bout was called off in the opening stanza.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">In the main undercard bout, former WBA world titlist Masalino Masoe returned to the ring, after an almost two-year absence, to fight Kashif Mumtaz. Despite inactivity and increased age, Masoe's class was immediately evident as he scored a hard knockdown with his first right hand. Mumtaz took heavy fire throughout the first, and was also forced to take a knee before the round finished. As hard as he tried, Masoe was clearly too many levels above Mumtaz, and his head was repeatedly snapped back by right hands and lead hooks. Still, Mumtaz's gameness could not be questioned, until midway through the fourth round when a cracking combination dropped him for the count.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Contact Crispin Anderlini to order images from specific fights on<a href="mailto:Crispin@NZFighters.com" style="font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; ">Crispin@NZFighters.com</a></strong></span></p><h1 align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.3; "><u><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> RESULTS</span></u></h1><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong> <u>Heavyweight</u></strong><br /><strong>John Conway </strong>beat <strong>Fale Saialoa</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Heavyweight</strong></u><br /><strong>Afa Tatupu</strong> beat <strong>Junior Iakopo</strong> by TKO in round 2</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Super Middleweight</strong></u><br />The bout between <strong>Pele Faumuina</strong> and <strong>Gunner Jackson</strong> was declared a majority draw</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Middleweight</strong></u><br /><strong>Leti Leti</strong> beat <strong>Paz Viejo</strong> by KO in round 1</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Light Heavyweight</strong></u><br /><strong>Niusila Sieuli</strong> beat <strong>Warren Fuiava</strong> by split decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Cruiserweight</strong></u><br /><strong>Vaitele Soi</strong> beat <strong>Oscar Siale</strong> by split decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Super Middleweight</strong></u><br /><strong>Maselino Masoe</strong> beat <strong>Kasif Mumtaz</strong> by KO in round 4</span></p></span></span></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-60453073341986849822011-03-21T17:25:00.000-07:002011-04-15T17:26:45.257-07:00TUA-LITY at David Tua's Backyard Boxing BrawlOriginal can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/883">here</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; " ><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">The moon is undoubtedly a powerful force. Whether its hitting your eye like a big pizza pie or turning people into werewolves, its by-and-large used as an excuse for polarizing behaviour. Enter David Tua, whose 18-year professional boxing career has seen him fight under two distinct guises: the aggressive power-punching Jekyl, or the lackluster Hyde. As the perigree moon hung enormous in the Manukau sky, one wondered exactly just what David Tua we would see.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Although he would come away with a wide decision win over American journeyman Demetrice King, we would see a mix of personalities as, after ten rounds of actions, all three judges gave South Auckland's favourite son the nod; and Tua his 52nd win in 57 professional boxing contests.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Fighting in his home of South Auckland for the first time as a professional, Tua jabbed and looked for openings, while Demetrice King provided a mostly stationary target and failed to capitalise on his considerable advantage in size. Instead of keeping Tua on the end of a stiff jab, he simply walked into Tua's strike zone with his hands held high. Tua bounced shots off of King all evening, and dished out more hooks than a Def Leppard concert, but seemed unable to hurt his foe who implored Tua to give him more. You got the feeling that, given the openings he was presented, the Tua of old would have been able to close the show on his rugged but limited opponent.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">In many respects, it seemed clear that the Tua of old is gone. His much vaunted left hook has failed to dent anyone since 2007, his head movement has degraded and he seems unbalanced when taking punches. Don't get me wrong, there were flashes of these traits, however, they were only flashes. At times he looked driven and hungry, punched in fast combination and seemed intent on trying to make it an early night. Quite paradoxically, his left hand seems to be an old dog that has learned new tricks. Tua often doubled and sometimes tripled up on the jab, which was stiff and King's main deterrent.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Although Tua weighed in at 254 pounds, this seems to be about the right weight. He has looked too drained in his last couple of outings. His improvement in stamina has been evident nonetheless, and the whirlwind of pressure he asserted in the final seconds of the fight was a tactic that could have been employed more often. Offensively, the addition of a hard jab, and the use of more right hands upstairs, show that he is certainly able to adapt and learn as a fighter. When throwing in combination, Tua looked crisp and far less reliant on landing his infamous left hook.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Talks of potential bouts with either Evander Holyfield or a rematch with Monte Barrett will do little to help his cause. There are many fighters ranked in the top 15 by the four major sanctioning bodies who are better strategic choices. A third fight with Hasim Rahman seems the most obvious as he is ranked 15th by the WBC, is a ‘name' opponent who would only add to the money aspect and Tua already owns a stoppage win over the former world champion (as well as a draw). Since their 2004 draw, Rahman has actively called Tua out. Even offering to fight in New Zealand.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">If Tua is serious about contending at a high level again, then acceptable efforts against fighters with losing records are not going to get him there. He needs to be impressive. He needs to be explosive. He needs to be David Tua.</span></p></span></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-14389006069645522732011-03-07T17:22:00.000-08:002011-04-15T17:25:03.513-07:00Mixed Judgement<span class="Apple-style-span">Original can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/765">here</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">I am instantly impressed with the setup inside the ASB Stadium. ‘Judgement Day' looks remarkably like a ball and, like the balls I encountered in high school, I once again find myself dateless. However, this evening would provide 13 corporate and professional bouts, which is significantly more than my high school ball provided (although I hadn't been power chugging cheap alcohol in the car park tonight). Ahead of me was a regional world title fight, a four man tournament and the return to the ring of New Zealand kickboxing and boxing legend John "The Rebel" Conway. People were slow to file in but the stadium was all but full by the time the card began and the room brimmed with anticipation.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Patrons got to view a great stylistic match up between power-boxer Filipo Fonoti and defensive counterpuncher Atalili Fai. Fonoti came out looking very sharp in the opening round, rocking his opponent with solid right hands. Early in the second round, Fai is dropped to one knee by a Fonoti right hand before he is able to create countering opportunities and capitalize on his opponent's mistakes. Fonoti's muscular frame provide his fists with more than enough gunpowder and, although Fai is able to slip most his punches, those that do land hurt. The intensity hasn't waned in the third round and, every time he seems hurt, Fai manages to move and counter which is keeping Fonoti honest. The bout ends with all three judges giving it to Filipo Fonoti.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">After an eight year absence, John "The Rebel" Conway returned to the ring to match his skills against Nuisila Seiuli. Conway comes out superbly confident and his pedigree immediately shows as he is able to land with his nifty hands. Although Seiuli his some sting in his punches, he is unable to worry Conway who is generally a couple of skillsets above. The veteran of 150+ fights in both boxing and kickboxing, is putting on a show for the crowd however you would think that he would be better served focusing his efforts on stopping Seiuli as he is clearly overmatched. The education in his hands and the granite in his chin have Conway winning every round on his way to a decision that was never going to be anything but unanimous.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">The four man tournament final pitted dual southpaws Roger Adlam against Ryan Atkins. Adlam boxes clever early but, as he tires, Atkins is able to walk through his punches. The second round sees Atkins able to start open up with his hands and stringing together punches. The final stanza is heavily contested as both gladiators fight fiercely. An Atkins left wobbles Adlam, which is the most definitive punch in the fight, and swings the round in Atkins' favour. Ryan Atkins walks away the winner of the Judgement Day Four Man Tournament with a hard fought majority decision.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">In the headlining fight, Serge Yannick defended his interim PABA supper middleweight title against Prince Hamid. Yannick sets the tone early, walking Hamid down, landing hard combinations and cracking his opponent with hard lead hooks. Yannick is winning every exchange from the get go and Hamid seems frustrated. He is not establishing any kind of jab as Yannick is able to close the distance untouched. Hamid's frustration is ever more evident after taking a shot that was slightly south of the border as he complains vigorously to the referee and to his opponent. It is more of the same until the middle of the fourth round as Hamid's anger towards his imminent defeat boils over and he unleashes a knee to Yannick's torso. The referee is merciless and immediately disqualifies Hamid to a chorus of boos from the crowd.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Glozier/Raffaeli and Ring Side promotions fared ok in their latest card. They were seriously hampered by a lot of withdrawals and, due to the mismatches that were a result of this, weren't quite able to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Full credit to both Filipo Finto and Atalili Fai, who provided the most interesting match up of the night. Ryan Atkins seems to thrive in any type of tournament format given his Judgement Day win and success in taking out the Last Man Standing tournament. He is a veritable warrior, like something out of a Jean Claude Van Damme movie, and his style of fighting is always entertaining to watch. Lastly, Serge Yannick looked strong and sharp in able to press all night and force Prince Hamid to disqualify himself. He seemed to simply break Hamid's will and, although the conclusion to the bout was disappointing, his display of skill was impressive.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Contact Stacey Simpkin to order images from specific fights on<a href="mailto:Stacey@NZFighters.com" style="font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; ">Stacey@NZFighters.com</a> </strong> </span></p><h3 align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 2em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> <u>RESULTS</u></span></h3><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Denis Suka</strong> beat <strong>Charley Takanui</strong> by knockout in the first round</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Jordan Roberts</strong> beat <strong>David</strong> Close by technical knockout in the third round</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Barvi Colati</strong> beat <strong>Danny Ugapo</strong> by majority decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>James Anthony</strong> beat <strong>Tookes Teariki</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Judgement Day Four Man Tournament Preliminary 1</strong></u><br /><strong>Ryan Atkins</strong> beat <strong>Ricardo Collado</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Judgement Day Four Man Tournament Preliminary 2</strong></u><br /><strong>Roger Adlam</strong> beat <strong>Brendon Lochner </strong>by knockout in the first round</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Isaac Peach</strong> beat <strong>Edwin Samy</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Filipo Finot </strong>beat <strong>Atalili Fai</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Lee Oti</strong> beat <strong>Fale Saialoa</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>John Conway</strong> beat <strong>Nuisila Seiuli</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Afa Tatapu</strong> beat <strong>Ronnie Vaasa</strong> by knockout in the second round</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u><strong>Judgement Day Four Man Tournament Final</strong></u><br /><strong>Ryan Atkins</strong> beat <strong>Roger Adlam</strong> by majority decision</span></p><h1 align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.3; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><u>PABA Super Middleweight Title Bout</u></span></h1><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Serge Yannick </strong>beat <strong>Prince Hamid</strong> by disqualification</span></p></span></span></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-53684905652172686922011-03-02T17:19:00.000-08:002011-04-15T17:22:38.116-07:00The Butcher Beats The Meat On The Way To A Happy EndingOriginal can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/node/763">here</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " >It always felt like this evening meant more to everyone than just a showcase of amateur, corporate and professional boxing talent. With the Christchurch earthquake still tugging at our hearts, this night was a display of unity on the national fight scene. Christchurch would again rise and our nation would solidify and stand as one as the proceeds from the evening would all go to our brother from the south. Even if it would only be enough to buy him a round.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " >The A.B.A, once again, delivered a top notch card complete with 10 amateur bouts, 2 Corporate fights and professional action featuring maturing Monte Filimaea and top notch Robbie "The Butcher" Berridge. But first off, the amateur's would prove why the New Zealand boxing public NEED to keep them in their periphery.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " >Young prospect Bravely Matau eked out a disputed majority decision win over the talented Andrew Leuii early in the card. The rangy Leuii looked to use his reach in an attempt to offset Matau's aggression in the first round and landed a thudding lead hook. Matau had more success in the second round as he was able to close the distance on his tiring opponent however Leuii rallied late in the round with his long straight shots. Leuii was back on the offensive in the third, looking very Thomas Hearns-esque and snapping Matau's head back with another lead hook. With Matau backed on the ropes, Leuii flurries which forces to the referee to step in and administer a standing 8 count however his efforts are just not enough in the eyes of the judges.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " >Caleb Lloyd continued to impress in decisioning friend Mose Auimatagi. Auimatagi comes out hard early but Lloyd is cool under fire and is able to prevent anything of note from landing before connecting with a left hand from his southpaw stance. Lloyd is rocked by a right hand early in the second but again shows great poise in able to dance work his way out of trouble and cause problems with his volume punching, cute combinations and accuracy. Auimatagi is by far the harder puncher but just does not throw in sustain combinations nor is able to pin down the slick Lloyd. He comes out fast at the beginning of the third, landing a couple of powerful punches however Lloyd shows maturity beyond his years and is not discouraged by the leather he is eating. The bout ends with Lloyd's ring generalship being the most dominant factor.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " >In professional action, Monte Filimaea displayed a greatly improved offence, and looked superbly conditioned, in his stoppage over late replacement James Ouka. After an early ‘feeling out' period Filimaea appears to hurt Ouka with an overhand right. Soon after, a leaping left hook drops Ouka hard on his back. He is able to rise, but hasn't seemed to shake off the cobwebs. At the end of the first round, Filimaea again plants another dynamite left hook on Ouka and lands a right hand as his opponent is falling. Ouka is saved by the bell but cedes defeat between rounds giving Filimaea his first win. This was a great performance by Filimaea, who has been in tough bouts with some of the best fighters in the country (Robbie Berridge, Jake Revill, Shane Chapman). The change in trainers seems to have done wonders as he punched with purpose, showed improved discipline and looked conditioned.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " >Robbie Berridge showed great poise in earning a wide decision win over human anvil Fale Saialoa. Berridge starts the bout well, landing upstairs and down, hurting Saialoa with a straight left hand then dropping him with a three-punch combination. Saialoa spends much of the bout in the corner, covering and taking more shots than a guy on his stag do. Berridge, known for relishing a dust up, is resisting the urge to trade wildly and spends the mid rounds wearing Saialoa down with landing cracking shots and sharp combinations. Saialoa's chin is one of the best in the business, however, he offers little offensively and seems intent on just surviving. "The Butcher" ups the ante in the sixth and final round, rattling Saialoa before another three-punch combination forces the referee to step in an administer a standing 8 count. Saialoa appears to be just beat up at this point but is still on his feet at the final bell after weathering a sustained barrage. Although he was unable to stop Saialoa, it needs to be noted that it would be difficult with anything less than a sledgehammer. Berridge exhibited composure and discipline in executing his game plan and looked to be only a round or two from turning out the lights (maybe).</span></p><p align="left" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " >There were plenty of other highlights during the night; Ethan Kuletea's threw a left hand that near beheaded Mike Pirini, prompting a collective "ooooohhhh" from the crowd, heavyweight Max Ta'asi's wide powerpunching thrilled and Delter Ingles showed versatility in being tight at a distance and strong on the inside however this night truly belonged to Berridge. "The Butcher" showed he could box as well as brawl, displayed poise against an opponent he couldn't simply overwhelm. If he and Jake Revill both follow on the same trajectory, then a match between them both would set the Kiwi boxing scene alight.</span></p><h3 align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 2em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><u>RESULTS</u></span></h3><h2 align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><u><strong>Amateur Bouts</strong></u></span></h2><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Featherweight</strong><br /><strong>John Francis</strong> (CityGym) beat <strong>Rangi Rakena</strong> (Kaeo Boxing Club) by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Welterweight</strong><br /><strong>Bravely Matau</strong> (Revill's Boxing Gym) beat <strong>Andrew Leuii</strong> (Juiceman's Way) by majority decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Welterweight</strong><br /><strong>Joel Smith</strong> (Kaeo Boxing Club) beat <strong>James Walker</strong> (Tappy's Boxing Gym) by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Featherweight</strong><br /><strong>Anvil Pillay</strong> (Papatoetoe Boxing Club) beat <strong>Raetihi May</strong> (Whangarei Boxing) by majority decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Middleweight<br />Caleb Lloyd</strong> (A.B.A) beat <strong>Mose Auimatagi</strong> (Papatoetoe Boxing Club) by majority decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Middleweight</strong><br /><strong>Ethan Kulatea</strong> (Revill's Boxing Gym) beat <strong>Mike Pirini </strong>(Kaeo Boxing Club) by unanimous decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Welterweight</strong><br /><strong>Jonah Sulau</strong> (Papatoetoe Boxing Club) beat <strong>Johnny Gose</strong> (Whangarei Boxing) by majority decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Super Heavyweight</strong><br /><strong>Dempsey Wilkins</strong> (Tappy's Boxing Gym) beat <strong>Patrick Mailata </strong>(Tappy's Boxing Gym) by majority decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Heavyweight</strong><br /><strong>Max Ta'asi </strong>(A.B.A) beat <strong>Nick Luke</strong> (Kings Boxing Gym) by majority decision</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Heavyweight</strong><br /><strong>Delter Ingles</strong> (Revill's Boxing Gym beat <strong>Hale Faiumu</strong> (Tappy's Boxing Gym) by unanimous decision</span></p><h1 align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.3; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><u>Corporate Bouts</u></span></h1><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Light Middleweight</strong><br />The bout between <strong>Rima Pittman</strong> and <strong>Junior Birbal</strong> ended in a split draw</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Heavyweight</strong><br /><strong>Rashaad Isaac</strong> beat <strong>Scooby Kalolo</strong> by majority decision</span></p><h1 align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.3; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><u>ProfessionalBouts</u></span></h1><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Cruiserweight</strong><br /><strong>Monte Filimaea</strong> beat <strong>James Ouka</strong> by TKO when Ouka quit on his stool after the 1st round</span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; " ><strong>Light Heavyweight</strong><br /><strong>Robbie Berridge</strong> beat <strong>Fale Saialoa</strong> by unanimous decision</span></p><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><br /></span></div></span></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-76075450462383477362011-02-13T01:32:00.000-08:002011-02-27T01:35:00.224-08:00Come Helensville or High Water<span class="Apple-style-span">Original can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/news.php?id=342">here</a></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >The first thing I notice as I set foot in the Helensville Thai Boxing Club is that it exudes grit. This is clearly a place where bones are broken, senses scrambled and all bills are paid in blood. Security is tight as I assure them of my press cred</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="style11 style5 style26" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >entials;<p>"I'm totally legit, look at my laminated necklace!"</p><p>Quite paradoxically, the atmosphere at the ‘Rumble in the Ville' is one of community and family as children spar in the aisles and waiata are sung freely. The MC for the night seems similarly relaxed in both demeanour and detail. By the time the card starts, the building is packed and people are spilling out through the roller door - which is providing patrons with respite from the muggy Helensville summer's afternoon.</p><p>The early portion of the card provides a couple of exhibition bouts before the amateur action begins. Midway through the card, Steve Robertson is able to wear down King Lang with whipping kicks to the thigh and body before the referee steps in to stop the contest in the third and final round.<br /><br />In a serious throwdown, Helensville Thai Boxing's own Angus Povey weathers some serious leather in his win over Nala Luau. As the fight settles down, Povey is able to control the distance and keep away from the dynamite in Luau's fists, taking a unanimous decision win.</p><p>Later in the card, Mikaera Povey (also of Helensville Thai Boxing) displays great movement of head, hands and feet in being able to win the decision over tough Darcy Bowden. Povey's considerable advantage in reach is evident from the outset, as he is able to take potshots from a distance and generally do a great job of boxing off the back foot. The decision is unanimous, to the delight of his brethren.</p><p>The showcase bout pits Israel Mobolaji Adesanya against Eds Eramiha for the vacant WKBF Cruiserweight title. Adesanya puts on an entertaining and athletic show from the get go as he opens up with his legs early on. No matter how hard Eramiha comes, Adesanya seems to simply have another weapon or trick in his arsenal. Midway through the fourth round, it seems like Adesanya is intent on trying to stop the durable Eramiha, who has resorted to trying to rough Adesanya up in the clinches. Eramiha has some success with his right hand in the fifth, but Adesanya is both winning the exchanges and putting on a show for the audience with his rare athleticism. The fight ends with Adesanya capturing the WKBF Cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision win.</p><p>Full credit is due to the Helensville Thai Boxing crew, whose efforts both showcased and entertained a community. As the night came to a close though, one had to wonder where to next for these people? For the reverberation of this good time would clearly ring well into the evening.</p><p align="center"><strong>Contact Stacey to order images from specific fights on Stacey@NZFighters.com</strong></p><h2 align="center"><u><strong><br /></strong></u></h2><h2 align="center"><u><strong>RESULTS</strong></u></h2><p align="center"><strong>Josh Heta (Sa Ming Jai Gym)</strong> WON by split decision vs <strong>Djreminise Jacob Blade </strong><strong>(City Kickboxing)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Cameron Stewart (Samson Gym)</strong> WON by split decision vs <strong>Dan Russell (HLV Thai Boxing)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Noora Angana (Cambodian Kickboxing)</strong> WON by unanimous decision vs <strong>Alu Nathan (HLV Thai Boxing)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Steve Robertson (Sa Ming Jai Gym)</strong> WON by R3 - TKO vs <strong>King Lang (Pathai Gym)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Angus Povey (HLV Thai Boxing)</strong> WON by unanimous decision vs <strong>Nala Luau (Yohan Thai Boxing)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Tea Bareman (City Kickboxing)</strong> WON by unanimous decision vs <strong>Sarah Long (South Auckland Lee Gar)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Jake Crane (HLV Thai Boxing)</strong> WON by R1 TKO vs <strong>George (Pathai Gym)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Hori Harris</strong> WON vs <strong>Jordan Ming</strong> after the referee stopped the fight due to injury in Round 1</p><p align="center"><strong>Ben Sisam (Strikeforce)</strong> WON by R3 - TKO vs <strong>Oscar Batucan (Balmoral Lee Gar)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Mikaera Povey (HLV Thai Boxing)</strong> WON by unanimous decision vs <strong>Darcy Bowden (Roundhouse Gym)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong><br /></strong></p><h3 align="center"><u><strong>WKBF CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT</strong></u></h3><p align="center"><strong>Israel Mobolaji Adesanya</strong> <strong>(City Kickboxing)</strong> WON by unanimous decision vs <strong>Eds Eramiha (Strikeforce)</strong></p></span></span></span><p class="style11 style5 style26" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/target=%22_blank%22"></a></span></p><p class="style11 style5 style26" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "></p><p class="style11 style5 style26" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></p><div><br /></div><p class="style31" style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(71, 0, 4); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "></p></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-61702972621400005542010-11-30T00:58:00.000-08:002010-11-30T01:00:45.137-08:00CraigFails 2.0<div>I received her phone call around 4:30 that Friday. Although she always exuded poise and grace, to me her voice just oozed sexuality.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Hey, how about we get a couple of drinks after work?”</div><div><br /></div><div>Being completely infatuated with her, I was always keen to hang out but could obviously never let her know that, for we had been friends for a while however this friendship was only something born from my fear of revealing my true motive. You know how it is, people only seem to strategically reveal enough that doesn’t give away their whole hand. And although I tend to be more straight up, I knew that straight turning her inside out was part of my destiny.</div><div><br /></div><div>I manage to convince my colleague, Asif, who is also an acquaintance of hers, to come with. Work strangely finishes early and together with another colleague, Paul, we start to walk downtown. Both Asif and I are grilling Paul about some girl he is trying to p0wn. I must admit, hearing the civilised desires of my contemporaries only make me realise just how clandestine my own should remain.</div><div><br /></div><div>This conversation then becomes a joke about how badly I’ve been busting my ass with this girl. Nine months of ‘friendship’ isn’t exactly the result I desire, usually most women have been regretting sleeping with me for 8 months by now. In fact, the whole affair has made me feel ineffectual. More like a spectator than a competitor. A snake without venom is just a belt.</div><div><br /></div><div>I change the tack of the conversation onto something more mundane;</div><div><br /></div><div>Craig: You guys see that show ‘River Monsters’? It’s crazy how most of the biggest freshwater fish in the world are some variety of catfish</div><div>Asif: Yeah! Last week the dude went to India caught this massive fish. A “Goonch” or something..</div><div>Paul: I saw that</div><div>Asif: Bro…fuck those things are ugly</div><div>Craig: What? You mean Indians??</div><div><br /></div><div>Asif (who is Indian) gives me a knowing glance. He is conscious that I am joking, however unappreciated it may be, and knows full well that, with every burn, the portrait in my attic becomes a little more decrepit. Paul receives a phone call from his slam piece and boards the nearest bus. You can’t really hate on someone for bailing on drinks to get ass. Respect the game.</div><div><br /></div><div>We meet her and some of her colleagues at the bar, which is unfortunately more club/bar than bar/club and includes vacuous clientele with even more vacuous music. If I ever met a ‘cultured’ woman I would marry her in an instant. But no, although oceans are deep most are too caught up in their reflection on the surface.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I have totally resigned myself to the fact that it will never happen, so I generally now fill the time I spend with her enjoying her company and waxing lyrical. This night is no different and our playful banter is filled with me busting her chops. The goofy laugh, her total lack of co-ordination, the ‘real’ fragments of who is she is that shine through the mask we all put on. Perception and reality seldom reconcile and it’s those little moments that provides each dynamic, be it platonic or romantic, with the greatest intimacy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I join her and Asif at a table inside where the latter makes another crack regarding my fruitless efforts. She seems strangely offended and I try to diffuse this by reasserting that the joke was at my expense. Suddenly she wants to talk to me and we move outside. Seated, she tells that she is indeed attracted to me and it’s a shame that I will be moving cities (which was the plan at the time) as she would have liked to see where things could go. Flattered, but kinda confused, I express my own attraction to her and echo her sentiments regarding my prospective change in environs.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the journeys in life is to find out what you want to do but at the moment all I know is that I want her. God I want her. To me, she totally embodies what Kerouac wrote about the people he wanted and how they must burn, “like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars”. I wish I could be her world. I wish I was one of the reasons that she would smile and light up the room. I wish we would wake up in the morning and she would look at me with half opened eyes and bed hair then roll into my arms for another hour of sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>We rejoin the group for another drink, which goes fairly quickly, and she queries me whether I could come with her and drive her car back to her apartment, as she is too drunk, and then we can just walk back to the bar. It all sounds kosher, she is certainly in no state to drive and, hell, you can always bank on Craig. After dropping off some of her colleagues at the casino, we are on the way back to her apartment when she suggests that we “stop and get some alcohol”.</div><div><br /></div><div>Craig finally clicks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, I dash from the car and get a dozen beers. I definitely have enough ‘bad ass’ to finish another box. At her apartment, I start chewing through the drinks. Just chewin’ ‘em. In fact, I am on a mission to have the drunkest sex (which is always the best kind) I could ever have. For I had dedicated some time to her and the conclusion was not gonna be short lived. I am going to destroy her.</div><div><br /></div><div>We sit on the couch, all the while I am still throwin’ ‘em back, and she pulls out some book. “Time Magazines Photos of the World” or something. It’s a sloppy pretence for what is ultimately gonna be a sloppy act. She starts thumbing through the pages and commenting on each. A sly smile is spreading across my face, for I know what she is trying to do. You thought you were sneaky, didn’t you girl? I have laid so many of these traps before, I wonder if they all seem so contrived? Regardless….</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so fucking ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>The anticipation is rising. After years of whamming, bamming and thank you mamming I had dedicated almost three quarters of a year to someone who I thought unattainable. I know this feeling well, I used to get it popping receivers looking inside too hard after cutting on a post route or hitting someone just after they turned after catching a hook. Now, with football behind me, the only contact I am currently getting is being chaffed by my zipper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sensing that she wants to kiss me, I jump the route. Shocks of electricity run through my body, bringing forth life and enough passion to power a small city. She is a lot more forceful than expected which could only mean her own desires have been as strong as my own. All of a sudden the electricity hits me again. No…wait a minute, it’s my phone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Craig hurried and unneccessarily loudly: HELLO!?!</div><div>Andy: Craig, what’s up man? Are you going to be out and about tonight?</div><div><br /></div><div>Damn…that’s right, I really didn’t expect to be in this position and had made ‘later’ plans. Which is kind of sad really, I was already at the acceptance stage of my own rejection.</div><div><br /></div><div>Craig: Hey man, can I talk to you tomorrow? I can’t explain right now..</div><div>Andy: You don’t need to say anything more</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes. Understanding - the mark of true friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>We continue to kiss on the couch, I am quite happy to take this thing as slowly as possible. This was the culmination of almost nine months of work and I want to slowly bath in her passion for as long as time will allow. That and, well, I’m not really too sure on her protocol. For she struck me as having strong morals and therefore this may not go any further on the first night. Her hands unbuttoning my pants tell me otherwise. Dirty bitch! She grabs my hand and leads me to her room.</div><div><br /></div><div>The train is about to leave the station. It’s destination? Pound Town. Stab City. Craigtropolis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her room looks too sanitary for what I am about to do in it. Thankfully, I have a couple of drinks with me. One goes down quickly leaving the cup still half full (I’m an optomist!). Never have I been more mentally prepared for something and I just want to spray it all over her like a tube of toothpaste that has been hit with a hammer. I put my drink next to the bed (for easy access) before stepping towards her and kissing her passionately. I throw her to the bed and position myself in her guard. Passion surging through my body and she attempts to remove my polo shirt. I do and am reminded that I need to:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Shave my chest</div><div>2. Shave my balls</div><div>3. Do more cardio</div><div><br /></div><div>Both of our clothes then seem to dissipate into the ether. I take a moment to observe her body. Smooth caramel skin gives vibe to luscious curves. Beautiful lips that shape beautiful words. A goddess, she is why cavemen painted on walls. She whispers in my ear;</div><div><br /></div><div>“I’ve always fantasised about you”</div><div><br /></div><div>My mind works furiously to isolate what exactly these fantasies would entail;</div><div><br /></div><div>Me getting stoned and eating a whole pizza?</div><div>Being covered in sweat after furious exercise?</div><div>Hunched over a computer speculating on the world boxing scene?</div><div><br /></div><div>This moment of thought allows me the time to demolish my last drink. You should always hydrate before anything strenuous. This final push has now made me a rolling mess and I am thankful that I won’t need all my co-ordination. We go at it and I am giving all I have, all the built up frustration and passion are harnessed and exerted in a universe where time has no bearing. At least that is what my body is telling me as even although hours have fallen off the clock and I'm covered in sweat, I still surge. She suggests that we flip this thing over however, as I lay down, the room starts spinning. She mounts me and begins to go to work but ceases suddenly and looks at me aghast;</div><div><br /></div><div>“Are you alright? You look like you need to throw up??”</div><div><br /></div><div>I respond affirmatively and, without time to make it to the bathroom, I am led out to the front porch. As I reach the sliding door I can feel it rising and cover my mouth with my hand in order to keep the vom as discrete as possible. This does little to suppress the flow though and, one step outside the house, the vomit explodes out of my mouth, ricocheting off my hand back on to my face, my naked body, my still erect-ness.</div><div><br /></div><div>She rinses me off with the water from her water bottle and I am given a minute to collect myself. After showering, I feel a lot better and make my way back to her room. Now, you would think my chances of resuming action were fairly dire no? Defying the odds, Craig goes back to his maximum smoothness.</div><div><br /></div><div>I awake sometime mid-morning. The room has all the marks of something ugly; condom wrappers, empty bottles, strewn clothes and the reality of what happened hits. We speak and, obviously being fairly embarrassed, I try to make light of the situation. She counters angrily,</div><div><br /></div><div>“Craig – you had vomit on your PENIS!!”</div><div><br /></div><div>I Am Legend.</div><div><br /></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-13921523250427710202010-11-29T22:24:00.000-08:002010-12-10T22:29:29.170-08:00Supremacy 7<span class="Apple-style-span">Original can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/news.php?id=328">here</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><p>Fighting for the glory, the title and possibly even New Zealand pride, "Hot" Rod MacSwain (Strikeforce) got cage-bound with top Australian fighter Ian "Hitman" Bone (Body Torque) for the South Pacific Welterweight Title. Already one of the brightest stars on the New Zealand MMA stage, albeit a savagely competent and skilled one, MacSwain's name got a lot brighter with his victory over Bone at Supremacy 7.</p><p>Proving that you don't need to lose any blood to win an MMA fight, MacSwain forced the win in the first round with an armbar submission that seemed to infuriate the Australian. But there was nothing he could do, and the belt was strapped around MacSwain's middle with a flourish that set the crowd alight at the YMCA Stadium in Auckland.</p><p>Fighting top matches here at home, and across the Tasman in Australia, is one thing, but all signs point to a fight in Hong Kong for "Hot" Rod early next year. After that? Well, UFC doesn't seem unlikely if this bright young star keeps rising.</p><p>With Strikeforce onboard it was a good bet that the event would feature some of the best young fighters around. And they didn't disappoint. Well-matched fighters came together to choke, strike, punch, kick and submit to each other in true MMA style; adding another surge of energy to the building wave of MMA popularity that was captured by Sky Sport on the night.</p><p>Sam "Striker" Brown (Strikeforce) is another fighter riding that MMA wave. In defence of his NZ Heavyweight title, Brown struck down another challenger to his crown in a three round battle that also gave his opponent, Marc Creedy (Fightshop NZ), his due. Creedy gave as good as he got, but was put out by the referee as he struggled under the final assault.</p><p>If you weren't fortunate enough to hear the slap of connecting fists, feel the glare of the sodium lights, catch a glimpse of the stunning ring girls, or smell the sharp metallic scent of victory, then watch out for Sky Sport's coverage of Supremacy 7 early next year.<br /><br />Of course if you can't wait that long, get the whole blow-by-blow report from our cage-side reporter Craig Bailey:</p><p><strong>Antz Moala (Strikeforce) vs Rob Baxter (FightShop NZ)</strong></p><p>Much of the opening round is spent on the ground. Baxter mounts Moala, but finds himself in a guillotine and has to struggle and slam his way free. He shoots on Moala, and is caught in another guillotine in the second, but escapes and manages to control the top position with his ground and pound. Both fighters seem intent on keeping it on the ground during the third, and Moala secures Baxter's back. Baxter is able to spin, and reverts back to pounding on Moala from the mount as well as attempting to finish Moala via submission.</p><p><strong>Rob Baxter won by unanimous decision.</strong></p><hr /><strong>Spida Hunter (GroundWorx BJJ) vs Daniel Brady (Hibiscus MMA)</strong><p>Brady comes out fast, but is taken down by a clinch. Hunter manages to pass guard and begins to rain down strikes from the mount position. After a sustained barrage, Brady has had enough and taps out.</p><p><strong>Spida Hunter won by submission (strikes) in Round 1.</strong></p><hr /><strong>Jason Walker (Douglas BJJ) vs Vaughn Antonio (FightShop NZ)</strong><p>They go to ground with Walker inside half guard. He is able to pass to side control, then mount, where he works his ground and pound. Walker is unleashing vicious punches and, although Antonio attempts to roll, he is not defending himself intelligently and the referee is forced to stop the contest.</p><p><strong>Jason Walker won by TKO (strikes) in Round 1.</strong></p><hr /><strong>Forrest Goodwin (Strikeforce) vs Peter Clinch (FiGi Training/Honey Badgers MMA)</strong><p>Clinch shoots early and manages a single leg takedown. From inside guard he attempts a choke, but Goodwin escapes and ends up on top where he fails to lock in a kimura. Both show very technical jiu-jitsu in jockeying for position. Clinch opens the second with another single leg takedown and the jiu-jitsu is marked by strategy. Clinch seems to be in dominant positions more, and he is able to get back control on Goodwin. From here he locks in a rear naked choke, and Goodwin taps.</p><p><strong>Peter Clinch won by submission (rear naked choke) in Round 2.</strong></p><hr /><strong>Kaiwhare Kara-France (Strikeforce) vs Ray Karaitiana (Syndikit MMA)</strong><p>Both are cautious early and the exchanges are evenly contested. Kara-France steps inside and uncorks a flurry of punches which have Karaitiana's back to the cage. Kara-France takes him down briefly before landing a hard head kick followed up by a flush punch, both of which appear to rock Karaitiana badly. Smelling blood, Kara-France swarms Karaitiana on the ground, and the referee stops the fight to prevent Karaitiana taking any more punishment.</p><p><strong>Kaiwhare Kara-France won by TKO (strikes) in Round 1.</strong></p><hr /><p><strong>Mitch MacKay (FiGi Training/Honey Badgers MMA) vs Bjorn Reirson (FightShop NZ)</strong><br /><br />MacKay seems intent on taking the fight to ground and lands a takedown. Reirson attempts an armbar early; however, he is slammed to the mat by the pressing MacKay. MacKay shows his superior jiu-jitsu as he easily mounts Reirson, gets his back, and applies a rear naked choke before his opponent taps out.<br /><br /><strong>Mitch MacKay won by submission (rear naked choke) in Round 1.</strong></p><hr /><strong>Roman Hunt (Strikeforce) vs Luke Jumeau (Incorporated Martial Arts)</strong><p>Both exchange takedowns in the early goings, however, it is Hunt who ends up in Jumeau's guard. Jumeau attempts an armbar, but Hunt breaks free and is dropping shots from inside guard. He passes to side control, and Jumeau continues to look for submissions from his back. Hunt scores a couple of takedowns at the beginning of the second but, from guard, Jumeau locks in a tight triangle choke. As tough as he is, Hunt just can't escape the vice-like grip as the life is slowly squeezed out of him. Unable to hang on any longer, Hunt eventually taps.</p><p><strong>Luke Jumeau won by submission (triangle choke) in Round 2.</strong></p><hr /><strong>Cole Davids (Strikeforce) vs Rob Joyce (FightShop NZ)</strong><p>Davids comes out aggressively trying to land. He takes Joyce down and lands in his guard. Davids is really coming on strong with his vicious ground and pound game. He manages to posture up and drops sledgehammer right hands until the referee steps in to stop it.</p><p><strong>Cole Davids won by TKO (punches) in Round 1.</strong></p><hr /><strong>NZ Heavyweight Title Fight<br />Sam Brown (Strikeforce) vs Marc Creedy (Fightshop NZ)</strong><p>Champion Brown starts the bout letting go of his dynamite hands. Creedy, who only took the fight on short notice, looks to clinch early and pushes Brown up against the cage. However, he is unable to accomplish much from this position, other than not giving Brown enough room to punch. At the start of the second round, Brown drives Creedy across the ring and dumps him on his back. The champion works some ground and pound, before passing to half guard then mount. Creedy does well to escape, and reverts back to pushing Brown up against the cage. They begin to trade on their feet and Brown lands a hard jab and right hand. Creedy connects with a huge overhand right at the start of the third, but he is taken down and being mauled on the ground. Brown is just wailing on him from the top position, and the referee has seen enough.</p><p><strong>Sam Brown won by TKO (strikes) in Round 3.</strong></p><hr /><strong>South Pacific Welterweight Title Fight<br />Rod MacSwain (Strikeforce) vs Ian "Hitman" Bone (Body Torque)</strong><p>The feature bout of the night saw NZ champion "Hot" Rod MacSwain take on Australian and Rize Champion, Ian "Hitman" Bone. The well-muscled Bone lands a takedown early in the opening stanza. MacSwain manages to sweep, where he finds himself on top and attempts an armbar. Bone gives up his back briefly, before swivelling into Macswain's guard. He appears to be in control of the bout as he uses his ground and pound, until MacSwain is able to trap him in an armbar and torque Bone's limb until he can't take the pain and taps out.</p><p><strong>Rod MacSwain won by submission (armbar) in Round 1.</strong></p></span></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-1953698388132811142010-11-23T00:05:00.000-08:002010-11-23T00:12:33.181-08:00Typhoon 14 - Lighting 6<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lightning punch far below their weight in Typhoon loss</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Like women I meet in a bar, Blockhouse Bay Reserve seemed to become both hot and wet with my arrival. After totally bailing early last week, this was to be my first full “Lightnings” experience and it felt strangely foreign, and exciting. Kind of like <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=the+stranger">The Stranger</a>. I knew that, after a thumping at the hands of the Lions in the opening week, the Lightning would be keen to exact revenge on the brand new Waitakere Typhoon.</div><div><br /></div><div>They were to get a shock however as, on only their second offensive play, a Typhoons receiver scorches the Lightning secondary in completing a 75 yard pass for a score (2 point conversion no good). Early on, dreamboat quarterback Johnny Johnson and his receivers can’t find rhythm as balls are dropped or overthrown. Tailback Siliva Ugapo is surgical in slicing through the line and provides much needed go forward in the early goings. At the start of the second quarter, juggernaut fullback Ojay Edwards lays waste to multiple Typhoon defenders before losing possession. The Typhoon’s spread offense is clearly out to ask questions of the Lightning defensive backs however the defense is hungry for blood and players frenzy to get a piece of the ball carrier like beasts to a carcass. And like any kind of hierarchical pack, leaders Wes Manao, Zac Timo and Starsky Maiava are always out to feed first. The ensuing Lightning drive is stuttering but receives life in the form of Typhoon indiscipline. Unfortunately, they are unable to execute and Ali Juddery is once again back to kick. Not even a misfiring offense can quell the fire in the defense and Timo slices through the line to make a big sack on third down.</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s late in the second quarter and Ugapo is back on the dance floor doing old moves (to quote 50 Cent) and keep the ball rolling while receiver Ali Tillbrook brings in a couple of passes which moves the chains. Typhoon penalties further the Lightnings cause another 30 yards before receiver Shiraz Soya lays out beautifully to collect a 20 yard Johnson pass and put the offense within striking distance. On the very next play, Soysa again brings in a pass and has the goal line in sight before blowing his load early and fumbling the ball through the endzone. The first half ends with the Lightning ruing missed opportunities. On too many occasions, balls were dropped or overthrown, blocks unsecured and possession lost in what are base fundamentals of the sport. I’m certain Coach Jim Hunter has plenty to say during the break and a quick look over to the Lightning girlfriends momentarily makes me think of The Stranger again.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second half begins with some great defense and special teams play from Maiava, Edwards manages to rumble for a few on the next drive before the Typhoons open up the game with their short passing. Linebacker Timo has clearly been doing both his weights AND his speed work as a huge tackle blights their attempt at a fourth down conversion. For the first time today, the Lightning offense looks relaxed and fluid as the workload is spread around. Edwards gains some hard yards up the middle, Soysa makes a long grab and Ugapo bounces outside for yards which brings puts them well into the red zone. Tillbrook evens up the game with a collection in the end zone however the 2 point conversion is no good. Short passes from the Typhoon offense open up the Lightning defense but there is just no quit in cornerback Tillbrook as he competes for every ball and disrupts the passing action that comes his way.</div><div><br /></div><div>The score is locked at 6-6 midway through the fourth until, after a series of short passes, the Typhoon manage to run the ball in and top it off with a two point conversion. With ball in hand and the game on the line, the time for the Lightning offense is now. Johnson is unable to connect with any of his receivers as the game, and the hopes of the dozens and dozens of Lightning fans around the globe, are all but extinguished. Even though the Lightning defense has still come to fight, they are only able to give the offense 12 seconds with the ball. Johnson once again heaves the ball downfield but the pass, as well as the game, just seems to be one or two steps out of reach.</div><div><br /></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604374424432882057.post-17314377995104725802010-11-16T22:27:00.000-08:002010-12-10T22:29:08.587-08:00King of the Door 2 FinalOriginal can be found <a href="http://www.nzfighters.com/news.php?id=322">here</a><div><br /></div><div>Needing only technical analysis, I only wrote for the final......</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><p>he final is upon us. The gods seem to be momentarily appeased, with sacrifices complete and 12 bodies broken before them. Two warriors still stand to compete for the prize. This night has been absolutely grueling for the competitors as all gladiators prayed for that ‘thumbs down' gesture from the crowd. Although the action has been short lived, the intensity of each bout made it seem like an age. And now here we were, at the point when those that have that extra gear are crowned champions among (door)men. The crowd is at a fever pitch as these two titans stare the other down before their ultimate battle. Moments before the bell, the air is so thick with anticipation that the crowd can hardly breathe.</p><p>Each is seemingly programmed to bring the intensity early. Va'asa takes his opponent down; however, Lenui's grappling is strong and he ends up in side control, where he exerts his ground and pound. Lenui is able to keep the fight standing up during the second. Exchanges are hard and both modern day gladiators drive the other on, aiming to test their resolve, their mettle and their will. The power in Lenui's hands seems to be a factor, however, as he is getting the best of the exchanges and landing the harder single shots.</p><p>Once in the third round, his energy seems to surge out even further; he comes forward with every exchange, while Va'asa appears to be running low on gas. These positions momentarily reverse in the fourth, with Va'asa pushing the pace until Lenui starts to whip leg kicks that visibly hurt and buckle his opponent. Both are still hurling hand grenades each other.</p><p>The final round seems to bring out the champion in both as they exchange strikes with fury. Exerting relentless pressure on each other, the combatants seem caught between a rock and a hard place as neither wants to give any ground. However, it is Lenui who will not relent as he is mechanically and maniacally hunting for that big shot, right until end.</p><p>The competitors stand exhausted as the judges tally up the cards. Each has left their soul in the ring, a gift for the spectators to qualify with their applause. With the verdict in, it is Felise "Fobfather" Lenui that is crowned your winner by unanimous decision, and the newest King of the Door.</p></span></div>Kid Gorgeoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785176722733080083noreply@blogger.com0