Waiheke’s kickboxers have been training hard under the watchful eye of three-time titleholder Duan Marshall for the upcoming ‘Fighting Spirit’ fight night.

After hosting two fight nights on the mainland, Duan decided it was time to “give Waihekeans a good night out” and set about organising the event, which will include four boxing matches and six kickboxing bouts.

The night will also include a title fight – the first ever to be held on Waiheke –  for the New Zealand Light Welterweight crown featuring Great Barrier Island’s Logan Golaboski and a Waiheke vs Great Barrier bout.
The Waiheke fighters include Deja Finn, Jesse Rudolph, Brent Ivory, Karen Croawell, Bill Howes, Serge Roberts, John Headley and Matai Stewart.

Trainer Duan Marshall (third from right) and crew get ready to rumble.

While mainly training for fitness, Duan says it is not uncommon for students to “get a taste for it” and want to test their skills in the ring in a competitive environment.
Table and ringside seats for the event have already sold-out though general admission tickets are still available for $40 from the Liquor Barn in Ostend and online at www.fightingspirit.net.nz.
The Fighting Spirit fight night takes place on Saturday 29 May at Te Huruhi School Hall, 7 Donald Bruce Road in Surfdale. Doors open at 7pm with the fights starting at 7.30pm. • Benn Bathgate