A young kickboxer associated with Ōpōtiki’s Scorpion Claw Gym brought home the silverware after winning the Sulphur Showdown in Rotorua last month.

Ricco Winder won the tournament designed to showcase new martial arts talent, run by by LeeGar Thai Boxing Club on November 23.

It was only the second fight ever for Ricco, who turned 17 on Saturday, yet the Ōpōtiki College student won by a convincing KO in the third round.

His coach, Tairongo Hudson, the founder and owner of Ōpōtiki’s Scorpion Claw Gym, was not surprised.

“From the moment he walked in I knew this boy was someone. Ricco’s been training with me for three years now and shows every sign of becoming ‘The Guy’ ... I hope that means Ōpōtiki’s next household name in combat sports.

“He is certainly one of my top students in the gym, showing the kind of dedication required.

“Ricco trains at all available sessions leading up to his fight day – early morning sessions, youth classes, adult classes plus additional running and working out in his own time.”

Hudson expects 2026 to be huge for the teen.

“There are a lot of shows around the country next year, so for Ricco it will be about getting to as many of them as possible.

“He needs to build that ring of confidence and gain the experience required to take part in the bigger shows. I’m confident he’ll be fighting at these by later next year or the year following.”

While still at primary school, Ricco discovered mixed martial arts through watching Conor McGregor fights on Youtube. A light seemed to go on.

“Conor McGregor inspired me, just from how he talks, fights and shows off to everyone. Strangely enough though, I was the only one in my group of friends who wanted to actually have a go at the sport.  

“Then I discovered the Scorpion Claw Gym and saw a pathway I wanted to follow.

“Of course, I have dreams of going to Thailand to compete in kickboxing at higher levels one day, but there is a price to pay. Tairongo is a great coach because he encourages us to push through the pain barrier and give it everything.”

The young athlete has difficulty describing exactly what he likes about kickboxing.

“For me there’s a big adrenalin rush when competing. As soon as I get hit, I just seem to go to another level.

“I like the contact; I like the challenge and once in the ring I just seem to go for it.”

Next year, Ricco plans to keep training and compete as much as possible, with occasional boat fishing his only real break from kickboxing.

During the week he will also be attending a full-time course at the Ringa Raupa Building Academy based at Ōpōtiki College.  

“I appreciate all the positive support I receive from my club and my family here in Ōpōtiki – my whānau are always there to give me a pat on the back and encourage me to keep training.”