The last two rounds were fairly even as Kara never stopped coming at Tuitupou - grappling, muscling and trying to land body shots, with both men slipping over at times from exhaustion.
It was anybody's fight as the result went to the scorecards, and ultimately it was Kara pressing during the last three rounds which swung the decision his way to obtain his dream of a New Zealand title belt.
His Awa Kings supporters broke into a haka before joining their club president in the ring.
"Little bit worse for wear, whanau," Kara said backstage on a live-streamed video, as ice was taped to his legs.
"It was easier taking it on the chin.
"Shout out, whanau, bringing the title home.
"Shout out to all my AK fans, all the AK supporters.
"That first round...hit me with a good right. I was a little bit dizzy."
Sharing in the celebrations was Assassin's Muay Thai Gym fighter Mike Makatea-Leylander, after a disappointing evening where he lost a close decision to Sam Watts (Warriors Muay Thai).
Preparations were thrown into disarray after Taupo's Jabez Collins did not make the 76kg weight for the four-man WKA Central tournament, with the promoters then removing Waikato local Robert Tawere so Makatea-Leylander could match Watts in a single title fight, yet still keeping the original three-round length instead of five.
Annoyed to miss the chance to compete in a tournament for the first time, Makatea-Leylander said on Facebook it took a round before he found his rhythm and range, with his rally then not enough to swing the decision.
"I came into this 4-man looking at him as my biggest threat.
"Better man won tonight. Till we meet again."
