Fight night to help get gym looking good
From novices to world champions, the Rex Redden Fight Club will be the place to be next week for kickboxing action.
The Alpha Muay Thai Club will host a fight night on March 17, expected to feature 12 contests.
Several Porirua fighters will be in action, including Ra Redden, who will be up against Ambrose Mataio from Auckland in what promises to be one of the bouts of the night.
Special guest will be John Wayne Parr, a nine-time Muay Thai world champion, who will be showing his support for Alpha and their fundraising efforts.
The club’s Kevin Dick says punching bags and the ring’s canvas are starting to show wear, having not been replaced ‘‘for a very long time’’. Money raised will be spent primarily on upgrading equipment. He expects the venue to be packed out.
‘‘It’s a great chance to see local guys in action and we have a real atmosphere on fight nights, you’re so close to what’s happening in the ring and the crowd are really into it. We’ve [Alpha] been quiet for a while, so we’re wanting to hold more events like this every few months to put ourselves, and some of these promising, young guys on the map.’’
Redden’s fight with Mataio will feature full Thai rules, with elbows and knees allowed.
‘‘These two guys are the best welterweights in New Zealand . . .,’’ Dick says.
The Rex Redden Fight Club is at 4 Hall Rd in the old Porirua Hospital grounds. Door sales cost $25, there is a cash bar and doors open at 6pm with the first fight scheduled for 6.30pm.