Kickboxing: Champion happy for 'rematch any time'

Rotorua fighter Joel Marsters is ready for a rematch "any time" after narrowly claiming the New Zealand Thai Boxing Association cruiser-weight title.

The 21-year-old from the Ngakaunui Gym won a split points decision over local favourite Kyle Gallacher in Wanganui on Saturday to take the previously vacant crown.

With Gallacher reportedly unhappy with the judges' decision, Marsters has offered the 2.03m fighter another shot at the title.

"He's been moaning about his loss," he said. "I will fight him any time."

Marsters said he had to adjust his strategy during the fight to deal with the lanky Gallacher's height and reach.

"I have never fought anyone that tall in my life, even in heavyweight," Marsters said. "I had to start to catch his kicks and take out his legs. I got points for taking him down."

Marsters, a former boxer, has been competing in Muay Thai kickboxing for two years winning five belts including a South Pacific heavyweight title in Melbourne last month.

He no longer boxes competitively, focusing instead on the "more exciting" kickboxing.

"You've got more weapons to use in kickboxing and it's more full on," he said.

Marsters dropped six kilograms in order to challenge for the cruiserweight title. He said he hoped to get to Auckland to fight soon and had a few potential opponents in his sights.

The ultimate aim is clear: "I want to win the world title, that's the goal," he said.