Gloves are on for big charity fight rematch

Rotorua's Paora Te Hurihanganui is focusing on redemption.

He takes on Owhata School principal Bob Stiles in this year's Christmas with a Punch Corporate Fight Night at the Rotorua Girls' High School Arena on December 10.

Last year Te Hurihanganui narrowly lost to Stiles by a split decision and this year he was intent on making amends.

"I wasn't 100 per cent fit last time. I picked up an injury a couple of weeks before the fight."

He said it was Stiles, however, who wanted the rematch and thought Stiles wanted to take him on when he was fit. This time, despite a disjointed training regime, he asserted he was fit.

"I haven't trained as much as I did last year, but I've been working more on technique. This year it'll be less of a scrap and a bit more boxing."

Despite not training as much, Te Hurihanganui has dropped from 138kg to 132kg. On Saturday morning he hoped to weigh in at 130kg.

Diet was not the main reason Te Hurihanganui was fighting - he said he was doing it for the kids.

"I'm only too glad to support them. It's a great cause. I'll fight anyone, anytime to support them - well almost anyone."

Stiles was also doing it again for the gym and the kids.

"It had helped a large number of children in a short time."

Stiles too had been training hard, was fitter and thought he was also probably a better boxer - courtesy of his trainer Adrian Austin.

There will be 26 fighters who'll putting the gloves on for this year's fight night - the third year for this successful event. The event will also be used to help raise money for the Rena incident off the coast of Tauranga.

Former Kiwi and Warriors player Monty Betham and up to five of his sports buddies will be attending the event.

Doors open at 5.30pm with the fights getting under way about 6.30pm. Ringside corporate tables, which seat 10, will cost $2000, and fight-night experience tables $1500 and both include food and beverage. For more contact Tania Warren, phone (07) 345 3085 or (027) 548 2692.