Action from the 2016 Christmas with a Punch corporate charity fight night and interview with event organiser Aaron Warren.
The sold out 2016 Christmas with a Punch corporate charity fight night certainly packed a punch in Rotorua.
There were plenty of battling bouts for the cheering crowd, including special guests Silver Ferns Katrina Grant, actor Cliff Curtis and Rotorua Lakes Councillor Tania Tapsell, to celebrate at the Rotorua Girls'High School Arena on Saturday night.
Event organiser Aaron Warren said each of the 34 locals taking part gave it their all and delighted the 1000 people packed into the Arena to watch the fights.
"Each fighter has given their everything to this and the progress they've made really showed in the ring," Warren said. "Everyone one was a winner on the night because they showed so much heart and determination.
"The fighters loved it, and the great thing is no-one got hurt."
It was the fifth time the RotoVegas Boxing Gym had organised the event, which sees local personalities, business people and sportspeople go toe-to-toe in the ring.
A total of 34 locals took part who prepared for their debut in the ring with a seven-week intensive programme as either part of the blue or red training squad - with all competitors matched to a similar age and weight.
Image 1 of 9: Christmas with a Punch at Rotorua Girls High Arena. 26 November 2016 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker
This year saw the red squad - led by team trainers Aaron Warren, Tyrone Warren, TJ Marsters and Jason Koolen take home the overall team prize - winning 11 of the 17 fights.
Warren said the key to his side's success was a strong team spirit and an "intimidating" battle cry performance by the red side ahead of the bouts.
"It was a great team effort," said Warren. "I think we scared them a bit at the beginning with our dance off routine - it worked a treat."
A record 11 women's duals were on fight card - a fact Warren was very proud of.
The Red's Devena Christie goes on the attack against the Blue's Mereana Pitman at the 2016 Christmas with a Punch boxing event. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER.
"They were all fierce in the ring and we want to get more females into the sport. Hopefully this will encourage more women to get involved in the future."
The charity night helps fund RotoVegas' youth amateur academy - which gives free training and equipment to all its amateur youth boxers. This has doubled in size over the past six years.
"A lot of the amateur fighters came out to give the awards which was great," Warren said.
"A night like this helps make the sport accessible and available no matter what their background or circumstances are."
2016 Christmas with a Punch corporate charity fight results:
Men's: Andrew Totten (Red) beat Matty Rowberry (Blue), Peter Kingi (Red) beat Boss Haimona (Blue), Colin Bradcock (Red) beat Phil McDonald (Blue), John Robertson (Blue) beat Whare Clarke (Red), Kyron Campbell (Red) beat Mike Hamiora (Blue), Tommy Lee (Blue) beat Lee Edmonds (Red).
