Boxing: Taranaki Explosion Fight Night to pack a punch in New Plymouth

Louis "Duffels" Des Forges is set to make his professional debut at the Taranaki Explosion on November 14. Photo / Supplied

Experienced and novice fighters are getting ready to dust off their gloves and take to the TSB Stadium ring for an explosive night of boxing.

The "Crowded House Bar and Eatery Taranaki Explosion" will feature 14 local corporate fights as well as the professional heavyweight debut of Louis "Duffels" des Forges.

Organiser Sam Rapira says Louis is a member of the Box Office Boxing Club in New Plymouth, run by Sam and his brother Jacob. He says he is confident Louis will go on to enjoy a career as a professional boxer.

Louis's opponent is yet to be confirmed, but the format of the fight is already set.

"He will be fighting four three-minute rounds. Louis is a very well-rounded amateur fighter with a good level of skill, power, fitness, and, heart. I think his style will suit the pro ranks well as he punches hard and can be very aggressive but also very specific when he needs to be."

The corporate fights are three rounds of one and a half minutes.

"We're aware they're not full-time fighters so the rounds are shorter and not as brutal."

At the time of the fights, the 14 corporate fighters will have trained for three months.

"They have a few more weeks to go. They are going from zero to hero in 12 weeks."

Sam has organised fight nights for the past eight years with his wife Jess.

"This is our 12th event. All the events are amazingly huge and have a great following."

Sam himself knows what it's like to be in the ring, spending time as a professional boxer himself.

Sam retired from his professional career as a light heavyweight boxer two years ago.

During his five-year career starting in 2013, Sam won a number of overseas and national titles.

"In 2014 I was the New Zealand light heavyweight champion. In 2015 I won the International Boxing Organisation Asia-Pacific light heavyweight title. In 2017 I won the Pan-Asian Boxing Association's light heavyweight title."

Once Sam had retired, he wanted to continue to raise the profile of boxing in Taranaki.

"During my career I had created a large following, especially in New Plymouth. The events have created awareness of boxing in the area and I'm really proud of that."

While Sam had retired, he didn't immediately hang up his gloves, spending the next six years headlining the shows himself.

"Last year was the first year I didn't."

He says this fight night is the biggest event he has organised yet.

"The whole event is going to be amazing."

Sam says the night is going to be a sell-out, with corporate tables all being snapped up nine weeks before the event.

"It's a huge night and the hottest ticket in town. People are excited to see someone they may know having a go in the ring. It's an amazing atmosphere and the culture of the night captures everyone. I encourage everyone to buy their tickets fast."

■ The fight night takes place on Saturday, November 14 at TSB Stadium in New Plymouth, with doors opening at 6pm and the first fight at 7pm. Tickets are available at Ticketek or the TSB Showplace.

Win: The Stratford Press has two double passes to give away. To enter, email alyssa.smith@nzme.co.nz with your name, address and phone number. Alternatively, give the team a call at 06 969 4021. Entries close on Wednesday, November 5 and the winner will be contacted later that day.