For Wanganui-born boxer Robert "the Butcher" Berridge, the path to redemption starts at home.
The 30-year-old with a 24-2-1 record confirmed on Friday that he will headline the "Rise of the Fallen" show at Springvale Stadium on April 25, Anzac Day, meeting New Zealand's No4 light-heavyweight Andrew Robinson (4-2).
Fromthe Waikato, Robinson's last fight was a split points decision win over China's Qu Peng in November, which was held on the undercard of the WBO world welterweight title bout between Manny Pacquiao and Chris Algieri.
"Humbled to be headlining this event. Can't think of a better place to continue my rise to the top," Berridge announced on Facebook on Friday.
Organised by Berridge's cousin Paul Berridge and his partner KJ Allen, the show will feature two other professional fights and eight corporate bouts, of which the representatives of local businesses and clubs have begun their eight-week training regime at Fight Fit Gym.
Robert Berridge will first have another bout with journeyman Togasilimai Letoa (15-15) in Carlton, Victoria this Friday.
While the name of the Wanganui show is to honour the centennial Anzac celebrations, Paul Berridge agrees it is a good metaphor for his cousin as well.
Berridge's life was turned upside down in 2014 when his then promoters Duco Events sent him to the US in August for a pivotal bout with undefeated Russian Vasily Lepikhin, in a possible world title eliminator.
Berridge was knocked out in round 5, then in December at the Fight for Life he became intoxicated and abusive, resulting in Duco terminating his six-year contract.
He has since attended counselling.
The other professional fights will be between John Roil (3-5-1) against former kickboxer Tipene Maniapoto (1-0), and another Wanganui expat in Anthony Brownlie (9-6-1) coming back from Sydney to face an unnamed opponent. The start time of the event and names of the corporate fighters will be confirmed in coming weeks.
