The most high profile match up on the night's bill featured extreme fisherman Matt Watson who delivered his promised "mongrel" when he took to the ring as one of 24 first-time boxers on the night.
The ITM Fishing Show star eventually beat Whangarei builder Dale Hamlin on unanimous points, aided by two knockdowns.
Also notable was Kerikeri St John paramedic Nick Scott who had a shocking start against builder Ben Maxwell but came back strongly for a narrow loss by majority points; while Kawakawa police Sergeant Nathan Davis overpowered Russell pub manager Tama Salive to win by unanimous points in the heavyweight slug-fest of the night.
Every fight went the distance (three two-minute rounds) except bout 11, where Mita Moses had bravely stepped up at the last moment to replace the injured opponent of Kerikeri lineman Matt Iorangi. The under-prepared Moses took a series of heavy blows in round two and withdrew after the referee called a halt, giving the bout to Iorangi on a technical knock-out.
The event was organised by the Far North-Bay of Islands branch of the Certified Builders Association. All proceeds will go to the Pink and Steel Pilates Trust, which provides rehabilitation to cancer patients after surgery, chemo or radiotherapy. CBA branch vice-president Mark Todd was delighted by the event's success and slick organisation.
"We could have sold the tickets two times over, even more. We're pleased. I reckon we'll do it again," he said.
About 500 people squeezed into the Turner Centre Plaza, 310 of them in $100 VIP seats. The spectacle included big screens, scantily clad 'round girls' at the start of each round, and a brave 'round boy' wearing nothing but a green mankini.
Results will feature in Thursday's Age.
