A recent trip to Te Awamutu proved successful for a group of fighters from the Whakatāne Fight Club.

The Carl Cowley-coached team had four boxers and one kickboxer taking part in the Iron Fist Chasing Greatness event.  

A woman from the club was due to make her in-ring debut but was forced to withdraw because of illness.

Sitiveni Kutalele, Zaane Walker, Haki Grant, Cylus O’Sullivan and Wiremu Shortland were the five people to take part.

Kutalele, who has become a talented in-ring fighter, was up against Islileli Punave and managed to come out victorious.

Cowley said it was a tough fight.

“Kutalele won his boxing fight by unanimous decision. His fight was a hell of a scrap, but his boxing skills and ring-craft got him through. His opponent was strong, explosive and an experienced boxer.”

An added bonus came with the discovery Kutalele was ranked no 2 in New Zealand for Muay Thai.

The number 1 is from Auckland and with the title currently vacant, there’s hope a fight for the belt can be organised.

“It would be cool if they’d agree to have it at our annual tournament, Mortal Combat Fight Night, on November 29; we’d prefer it to be much sooner though.”

Cowley said Walker fought smartly to defeat his opponent.

“He won his boxing fight by unanimous decision, a well contested contest, which was much closer than the scorecards suggested.

“It was a great opportunity to get some valuable ring time without the damages of leg kicks etc as he’s been selected to fight in ‘King In The Ring’ next month, mid-June, which will be an incredible opportunity.”

Power puncher O’Sullivan also managed a strong win, making it three wins for Cowley and his crew.  

“Cylus won his boxing fight by unanimous decision. An exceptional performance by an 18-year-old, especially considering this was his first time in the ring. I was confident in his untested abilities because he prepared very well and left no stone unturned. This was his opponent’s fifth boxing fight.

“He was originally scheduled to have a kickboxing fight, but his opponent pulled out with injury, so we took the boxing fight as the only other option. We had three weeks to fine-tune his boxing skills, and I am incredibly proud of how he did.”.

Cowley said Shortland had an entertainment fight that could have gone either way.  

“Wiremu drew his boxing fight. This was also his boxing debut, although he’s had Thai kickboxing fights before.”

Grant was the only fighter in a kickboxing contest and Cowley was pleased with his efforts.

“Haki Grant dominated his opponent to win his Muaythai fight by unanimous decision. He wore his opponent down throughout the fight with solid knees and kicks, and almost won by knockout when he dropped his opponent with a right hook, but his opponent was saved by the bell.”

The fighters are continuing to train for more fight opportunities.