Thrills expected at boxing extravaganza

Scott Mayhew (left) and Joe Curtis will go head-to-head during Rotovegas Boxing Gym's Corporate Boxing Extravaganza on Saturday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Thirty local boxers are fighting fit and ready to step into the ring during the Rotovegas Boxing Gym's Corporate Boxing Extravaganza.

Gym owner and head trainer Aaron Warren said there would be eight male bouts and seven female bouts on Saturday, and he expected them all to be hotly contested.

"I'm expecting plenty of heart and a lot of skill and technique.

"We try to get similar ages and weights fighting each other ... we try and make the fights as even as possible."

The gym hosts corporate boxing events twice a year and they are a highlight on the local boxing calendar.

"It's been an excellent night in the past. We've had a lot of feedback from people saying they didn't expect to see what they saw on the night."

He said the main event, between Scott Mayhew and Joe Curtis, would be a good even battle.

"Both of these guys have huge hearts and they've both been consistent with their training.

"They're very similar, both very strong and both have a never-give-up spirit."

The men will compete for three two-minute rounds and the women for three one-and-a-half-minute rounds.

He said the number of females taking part in the sport was growing all the time.

"They actually make better boxers, they're a bit more relaxed and consistent at training."

Warren said taking part in a fight was a unique experience and each of the boxers had done seven weeks of solid training.

"The boxers get a great experience out of it - for a lot of them it has been on the bucket list.

"The hardest thing to do is step through the ropes and do three rounds of boxing - a very small percentage of people will actually do that.

"There's no winners and losers as far as I'm concerned, everyone's a winner for stepping through the ropes.

"Safety is really important - making sure everyone is fit and has a clear mind."

There will be prizes awarded at the end of the night for the best male and female fighters.

"The judges will decide that and they'll choose someone who stood out to them.

"It will be judged on skill, technique, heart and sportsmanship."

General admission tickets for the event are $35 and can be bought from the gym.

The money raised from the event will be used to grow the sport and support local amateur boxers.

"It will also be used to support local boxing clubs running events."

The event is in the Rotorua Girls' High School arena and the fights start at 7.30pm.