Kickboxing: Slowinski wins Oceania spot in world K-1 series

Australian Paul Slowinski is the first to secure one of four Oceania spots in the world K-1 series after he hammered Aucklander Daniel Tai before a capacity crowd at the Trusts Stadium on Saturday night.

Slowinski, from Adelaide, looks likely to be joined by Peter Graham from Geelong. Graham won a decision after three rounds with another Aucklander, Jay Hepi.

In the main fight, former boxer Paula Mataele started slowly but turned on a great third round against the smaller Jason Suttee. It wasn't enough, though. Suttee, fighting smarter, stayed away from the Tongan's big shots and scored better when he did go inside to also win a decision after three rounds.

Both Mataele and Suttee retain a chance to secure a spot at the world series contest in Auckland in March next year when they compete in the last round of the Oceania series on the Gold Coast on December 10.

Also in their pool and in with a chance is Invercargill's Hiriwa Te Rangi, who beat Australian Matt Samoa with a spinning kick to the ribs to win a KO in round one.

In the sixth K-1 heavyweight bout, Aussie Ben Edwards beat Auckland's Syd Asiata in the last seconds of an extra fourth round after they were level on points after the third.