New contender for 'Tha Muss'

Mike Makatea-Leylander

Whanganui fighter Mike Makatea-Leylander may have a new opponent, but the IKBF New Zealand light middleweight title is still firmly in his sights at the 'Night of Assassins' show next month.

'Tha Muss' Makatea-Leylander will headline the nine to 11 match card at Springvale Stadium against Porirua's Aaron Cole, after original Hawke's Bay opponent Deej Edwards pulled out due to injury.

Organiser Kyle Gallacher said Cole represents an even more dangerous adversary for the man he has trained for a long time.

"Aaron has a list of big wins and big knock-outs over top level fighters, however, Mike isn't fazed.

"For him, this is just another step towards a bigger set of goals."

Gallacher said Makatea-Leylander's dream is to be able to fight professionally - which could occur if he can enter and win the annual King in the Ring tournament in Auckland and perhaps then head to China.

"All these goals will be more than possible once he has established himself as an amateur New Zealand champion."

"Balancing training around a full time job and being a father isn't easy but Mike brings full discipline to his routines, often training twice a day, six days a week.

"He puts in all the hard work and lives the martial arts lifestyle - everything from diet to conditioning is on point and he's always trying to evolve and reach new levels."

The bout with Cole will be up to a weight limit of 72.5kg, for five 2 minute rounds.

There will be two other title bouts on the card as expat Whanganui fighter Jono Anderson will take on Auckland's Jake Walker for the IKBF North Island welterweight title, while Palmerston North's Connor Mooney meets Auckland's Eden Phillips for the New Zealand lightweight belt.

"Night of Assassins" is the debut show organised by the Assassins Muay Thai gym.

It will be on March 11, with tickets available at UGC Hairdressers on 54 Guyton St, with more information available of the Facebook event page.