Proud is the perfect way to describe how Renee Leabourn-Black and James Black feel after successfully navigating their way through Te Teko’s first fight night.

All 14 fights at Otakiri Fight Department’s Tojos Combined Fight Department Fight Night on Saturday were spectacles for the highly supportive and vocal fans.

Between 250 and 300 people enjoyed the action.

Leabourn-Black said they were incredibly proud of all the fighters and the community support.

“It was amazing seeing everyone there cheering on all of the fighters, mixing in with each other and just having a really enjoyable time.”

“The police even popped along and watched some of the fights and commended us on just how well everyone behaved. We made sure it was about the action in the ring and supporting the fighters.”

She said hosting the event took a lot of hard work, but they were happy to put in the hard yards if it meant more fights for local fighters.

“We’re happy to do it if it helps get our fighters more exposure. We’re looking at making this an annual event and really making it a high-quality event that features top fighters.”

Leabourn-Black said they received a lot of support from within the gym fraternity.

“They were all so supportive of what we were doing and all wanted to be a part of it in some way whether it was here watching or one of their fighters competing.”

Accolades have streamed in following the show.

“Some trainers believe it was the most even show they’d been to. The fights were all incredibly even. One fight was decided by a TKO and the two title fights went the full five rounds, so we’re really happy.

“People reckon we should look at a Pay Per View option because of the quality of the event. That is incredibly high praise.”

For the Te Teko-based fighters, it was special to be fighting at home.

“They loved it and it was a chance for friends and family to come and watch,” said Leabourn-Black.

Looking ahead, she said there wasn’t much they’d change for future events.

“We just want to keep providing our local fighters with an opportunity and this sort of show does exactly that. It’s also good exposure and provides other opportunities and we want to continue that.”

Otakiri Fight Department fighter Niko Pritchard is off to Auckland to fight in the BX9 pro boxing series this weekend, pulled in as a last-minute replacement.

“It’s a great opportunity for him,” Leabourn-Black said.