A strong local presence made for a great turnout at last weekend’s Mortal Combat Fight Night, with some cracking fights keeping fans entertained.

Organiser Carl Cowley was stoked with how the evening unfolded.

“It went really well; everything ran smoothly and the fights were great. Many coaches and spectators commented on how well the fighters were matched. Nearly every fight was really close, with five fights being split points decisions (two judges scored one corner winning while the third judge scored the other corner as winning).”

Liam Witbrock’s super-close title defence fight was a highlight for Cowley.

“After the third round it seemed as if the younger challenger was getting on top and well on his way to taking the title, but Liam’s class showed when he needed it to.

“Although he won the last two rounds, I was still unsure if it was enough to secure the win. Fortunately, the decision went our way, but I wouldn’t have been disappointed if he had lost. It was a very close fight.”

Another highlight was the battle between local fighters Taumanu Walker and Jayden Lloyd.

“Taumanu dominated the first round and had Jayden in deep trouble. Jayden was saved by the bell. Jayden won the second round. Then Jayden dominated the last round and saw Taumanu saved by the bell.”

He said it was an action-packed fight that had the crowd on their feet and ended with a majority points decision to Lloyd, with the two judges awarding him the win and the third pronouncing the fight a draw.

As a last-minute replacement for his sick team-mate, Mathew Law, Lloyd stepped back into the ring two fights later to ensure Jacop Vaipo didn’t miss out on competing in front of his people. Although Lloyd lost on points to Vaipo, his second contest for the night was a close fight.

Cowley said the crowd was excellent, cheering and getting behind all the fighters.

A few people caught Cowley’s eye on the night.

“Tuhi Mauroa (9 years old), Cash Ryan (14), and Tyrell Thomas (15) showed a lot of heart, skill and composure against their more experienced opponents.

“In all three cases, it was a big ask for them to take fights against fighters who have a lot more experience, as their original opponents had pulled out (injuries). But all three coaches were confident they could be competitive, and they all put on great performances and were very competitive, especially Cash who won.

“They did themselves, their clubs and Whakatāne proud.”

Cowley is grateful to everyone who supported the event and all the fighters who took part.

“This is why we created Mortal Combat Fight Night, to give local fighters a platform to show their family and friends the result of all the hard work they’ve been putting in for months and years on end.

“They all held a good account of themselves and showed that Whakatāne has some great talent.”