Hard fight sees kickboxer win

The Gold Coast will be the perfect place for Ra Redden to get over the bruises.

The Porirua 21- year- old Muay Thai kickboxer overcame the pressure of expectation fighting in front of a spirited home crowd to record a unanimous points decision over Auckland’s Sam Hill on August 11.

Redden, now with a record of 11-3, says it was a tough fight against an experienced opponent.

‘‘He didn’t give it to me easy, it came down to the last round. It was unanimous but there was a lot of back and forth, neither of us was backing down. We left it all out there.’’

Evidence of this was plain to see days after the fight, Redden displaying deep bruising and a limp.

The Redden Fight Club, founded by Ra’s Australia-based brother and local kickboxing legend Rex, in the old Porirua Hospital grounds, was packed for the event, Honour II, with 12 fights on the card. Ra’s brother Henare and fellow Porirua fighter Michael Radford also recorded wins.

Hill is keen for a rematch, but Redden says he will contemplate his next move while on holiday in Australia.

‘‘If other opportunities come up, maybe even in Australia, I’ll take them, but it’s a bit of wait-and-see at the moment. I’m just taking some time out.’’

Kickboxing since he was 12, Redden says Rex’s success in the ring spurs him to achieve similar heights in Muay Thai.

‘‘He pushes me. I miss not having him in my corner all the time.’’