Interview with Rotorua's Jake McCowatt after winning the IKBF South Pacific Title (71kg)
Muay Thai
When the referee signalled for a knockout in the main event at the international Rumble 15 New Zealand vs Tahiti show it was met with jubilant celebrations from the Rotorua crowd.
Rotorua's Jake "Redneck" McCowatt, from Ngakaunui Muay Thai gym, clinched the IKBF South Pacific belt (71kg) - knocking out Tahiti opponent Kalani Kavera, at the Rotorua Girls' High School Arena last night .
McCowatt, 17, dominated the fight from the off - overwhelming his Arupa Muay Thai Gym opposition in the opening three rounds, with the killer left hook blow coming in the fourth and penultimate round.
The local fighter, who also holds the 2016 WKA adult national belt, and under-19 and 18 national titles, said he was "delighted" to take home the belt and was now eyeing a world title.
"It was a good hard fight, everything flowed for me," he said.
"Jumping into my left hook really worked for me, and throws with my right hook and my front kicks were very strong and I used them to my advantage.
"I was watching my opponent closely whilst I was walking around for a while, I noticed he had his right hand down so I lined it up and jumped into my left hook and knocked him out.
"I'm really happy to take home the belt tonight because after this I can now go for a world title."
CHAMPION: Rotorua's Jake "Redneck" McCowatt (right) pictured celebrating with Ngakaunui Muay Thai gym head trainer Wayne Wairoa. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.
The victory came as no surprise for Ngakaunui Muay Thai gym, head trainer Wayne Wairoa and coach Daniel Kidwell.
"Jake is a pitbull of a fighter," he said.
"The quality of fighting was very high tonight. Jake is a very powerful young fellow and he showed his quality in the ring."
Kidwell added: "It's been a wonderful international event. It's a very exciting and thrilling sport to watch and Jake really ended the show with a bang."
In total six major titles were up for grabs at the Rumble 15 event, with eight other medal fights and the crowd were entertained at the beginning of the show with a special haka performed by the travelling Tahiti squad.
Local fighter Te Amorangi Loffley, took home the IKBF Junior Girl's North Island Title (68kg) beating Hamilton opponent Monica Roberts- knocking out her Rhino Gym opposition in the fifth and final round with a knee to the stomach.
Meanwhile Papamoa's Serena Stanley won the IKBF Women's North Island Title (57-58kg) beating Hamilton opponent Rene Roberts in a split points decision over five rounds.
Rotorua's Rene Rashka lost out in the IKBF North Island Middleweight Title (72-73kg) to Tahiti's Teva Pulet in a unanimous points decision over five rounds.
In one of the fights of the competition Johny "Hurricane" Clapperton from Hamilton won the IKBF International Title (71-72kg) - beating his Tahiti opposition Eddy Tuuhia with three technical knockouts in the second round.
