The biggest-ever contingent of local fighters will compete at Mortal Combat Fight Night at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall tomorrow evening.

More than 20 fighters from the Eastern Bay are lining up, some of whom will face each other in a battle of bragging rights.

Event organiser Carl Cowley is pleased to see plenty of locals jumping into the ring.

“I’m really excited to have a record number of locals competing this year. When I was fighting, I had to travel to Auckland, Wellington and other places for fights.

“It has always been my goal to provide a high-quality platform for locals to perform and gain experience. Many have since gone on to win national, international and world titles – this is what I am most proud of.”

As always, the local fighters have been evenly matched to make an enjoyable spectacle for the crowd.

“There were plenty of other locals entered but, unfortunately, I couldn’t match them fairly.

“Often, the experience difference is too much and it’s unfair to expect someone with only a few fights to compete with someone who’s very experienced,” he said.

Cowley feels for Saph Carmichael, from Ōpōtiki, who was scheduled to fight for a NZ Muaythai title, but her Auckland based opponent withdraw a month ago because of injury.

“I’ve reached out to the coaches of all the top cruiserweight and heavyweight female fighters throughout New Zealand and due to other commitments or injuries, we couldn’t find an opponent.”

Cowley said having so many locals taking part had generated more interest in the event.

An obvious highlight will be the NZ Title fight between Whakatāne Fight Club’s Liam Witbrock and Josh Grey representing Red Dragon Thaiboxing in Mt Maunganui.

Witbrock won the title by TKO at the event last year and is excited to defend his title against a very hot prospect and international fighter.

“Winning the title to become champion is one thing, but defending your title to remain champion is another. I’m keen to keep what’s mine,” Witbrock said.

Grey is undefeated in New Zealand and the only blemish to his record was via a narrow loss to the Australian champ in the semi-finals at the Asian Muaythai Championships in Vietnam earlier this year.

This contest has been in the pipeline since the start of the year and both fighters will turn up very prepared.

The co-main event, featuring Cole Banks from Tauranga and Gabe Anderson from Murupara, is also expected to be a good contest, as is the encounter between Aaron Semmens and Trace Raymond.

“These two local teens are so keen to get good competition, they are putting fight careers first over their existing friendship (as they are mates),” said Cowley.

“Fighting for two different local clubs, they both have two-to-three fights each, and are at the stage where to get better, they need (and want) stiff competition.  

“They are evenly matched and will provide a good test for each other.”

Cowley is big on safety; if he doesn’t feel a matchup is right, he won’t book it.

“The safety of every fighter is always paramount, and you will see this in the matchings, the safety equipment such as padding and headguards, and the rules’ sets.

“The more experienced fighters will compete with very little padding and protection (such as the NZ title fight and Anderson vs Banks – who will be competing with no restrictions of punches, knees, kicks and elbows). This is the real deal Muaythai (Thai boxing).

“Most other competitors will not be striking with their elbows.”

Doors open at 4pm and the event begins at 5pm.

Tables are sold out but door sales for stand tickets are still available.