Seven Eastern Bay rugby players are set to don boxing gloves in the inaugural Battle of the Clubs boxing event at Mercury Bay Park Arena tomorrow night.

Caleb Foster and Tamati Taylor are representing Poroporo, Sitiveni Kutalele and Tamarau Amoroa-Spence are representing Tāneatua, Aymon Te Hauwaho and Neelan Wera Cook will be wearing Rūātoki colours and Keanu Moke will have the whole of Te Teko backing him.

It’s the first time an event like this has been created and there’s an added incentive for clubs to get there and support their fighters - the chance to win $10,000 for their club. There is also $500 being donated back to each of the clubs participating.

With 12 fights during the evening, all the winners will then go into a group and people can vote on the best fight, with the winner earning the money for their club.
Battle of the Clubs promoter Carlos Price said it was an added incentive and chance for clubs to support the event.

“You can only vote if you are there. A QR code will go up on the screen and you vote for the best winning fighter. The more fans your club has there on the night, the better chance it has of taking home the money.”

He has wanted to do something like this for a while, involving the entire Bay.

“I have been to a few and went to one in Waikato that Liam Meesam was involved with, and thought it would be a cool idea.

“We have a so-called Baywide competition that is virtually all Tauranga and doesn’t encompass other parts of the Bay at all. I wanted all the Bay to be involved; we’re all meant to be one and I want to see more of the clubs working together and forming relationships.

“I think about 26 clubs were interested intially and then we got fighters from about 16 clubs, so we’re happy with that.

“Next year we’d love more, and hopefully in a few years’ time, I can have all 34 clubs on board in some capacity. That would be pretty special.”

Price said the event was about creating something different and getting the entire region involved.

“I played professional rugby and club rugby. Club rugby is my passion, so I see this as a way of giving back and a chance for clubs to build and just a chance for players to try something different. I know how much it’s done for me and can do for other young fellas.

“It’s getting harder and harder for clubs to come up with money, so this is a bit different and for a lot of footy players, this is a bucket list thing for many.”

“It has been well received by the clubs, which is great. I wanted to have all the clubs under the roof for one night. The Bay Rugby Union doesn’t do it. There’s a few Eastern Bay clubs I didn’t know existed and I wanted all the clubs in the Bay to get equal opportunity.”

“In the next few years I would love to get the ladies involved, too, and have females fighting – that would be great to see.”
Price has had plenty of support along the way.

“I’ve had fantastic help from a lot of people from the trainers right through to the people who have helped me set this night up. It’s going to be a great event.”

He is expecting some great fights and there's even a few rivalries such as that between Tāneatua’s Amoroa-Spence and Rūātoki’s Wera Cook.

Taylor faces Katikati’s Liti Uilou, Foster is squaring off with Rangiuru’s Kelvin Fraser, Te Hauwaho battles Wiremu Te Rangi, Moke is up against Keanu Latimer and Kutalele jostles with Rangataua’s Te Kehu Kerr.

For many, it’s a chance to do something different and Taylor is looking forward to the challenge.

I’m a big fight enthusiast. Something I’ve wanted to do all my life and didn’t think I’d wait till I was 38 years old to finally step in there. Can’t wait.”

For Taylor and Foster, it is about creating an experience.

“It was just a bonus that we got to represent our whānau hapū and iwi while doing it. We aren’t just in there for Poroporo Rugby Club, we are there for Ngāti Pukeko.”

Taylor’s  going into his fight on the back of plenty of sparring.

“Yeah, I’ve done boxing on and off for years, this has been the most consistent I’ve been. Just trying to set the standard for myself to be a good role model and protector for my whanau. My whanau are all fighters even my tipuna were, it’s in our DNA so I’m stepping on the battlefield with them too.”

He’d love to win the $10,000 for his club.

Foster is keen to get in the ring and represent Poroporo.

“I’m super excited. It’s been a big build up, so I’m excited to see it finally come around. It’s something different, great fitness and a good outlet for frustration.

He’s had one fight previously and won it convincingly but expects a tough fight on Saturday.

“My main goal is to do the best I can, and whatever outcome happens.”

The main event will feature Diaz Gillies taking on Ricaia Warren for the Super Middleweight NZPBA Regional title.

The event will start about 6pm.