Ohakea event is a knockout

The only pilot fighting in the Ohakea Charity boxing tournament, Sqn Ldr Graham "The Hammer" Burnnand (red shorts) unleashes on fireman Cpl Trevor "The Dogpound" Mills. Burnnand won on points. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

With eight of the nine bouts going the full distance and decided on points, there was plenty of action in the Ohakea charity boxing tournament, which attracted a sell-out crowd of 500.

The only contest not to last the three rounds was in the heavyweight division with Cpl Scott "Black Snake" Robinson proving too fast and classy for LAC Timoti "Taco" Rangi, claiming a second round TKO victory.

Sdn Ldr Graham "The Hammer" Burnnand, the only pilot in action, won a close fight against fireman Cpl Trevor "The Dogpound" Mills.

Most skilful contest was the opening fight between two lance corporals, Kerry "The Candyman" Cane and Ron "Sledgehammer" McNutt, which was won by Cane.

Two other competitors to impress were AC Wez "The Wolfman" Jesson-Moore and Flt Lt Liam "Shure Shot" Shanahan. Most brutal fight was the only women's contest, with victor LAC Ash "The Bash" Thurston and Cpl Tash "The Taranaki Toa" Cameron given a standing ovation by the crowd. Thurston proved too clinical for her opponent, who was asked three times by the referee if she wanted to continue and gamely lasted out the duration. In other contests, Sam Boulton beat Dave Walters, Liam Shanahan was too good for Jarrod Badham, Mike Sagar saw off Roy Robati, Wez Jesson-Moore beat Josh Larking, and Mathew Cole defeated Josh Tuiraki.

Competitors trained for six months for the tournament in the Ohakea Gymnasium, which was organised by the Ohakea Gym staff to raise funds for Kids Can charity. The total will exceed $10,000 from the base.

The night, which included entertainment from the Japanese Kodoma drum team and tissue performer Jessie Carson, was praised by Ohakea senior commander Grp Capt Darren Webb, and warrant officers from RNZAF and NZDF.