Thai boxing duo ready for River City Rumble

Whanganui's Thai Boxing exponents have been building up some good form ahead of their big night on home soil at the River City Rumble this month.

Wanganui Warriors' Brayden Maua, who stole the show at last year's Rumble in a close decision win over RTF Wanganui's Earl-Jay Pehi, had success at a card in Porirua on March 12.

Promoter Steve Alderton said while the tough Maua is still only 17, his 1.8m tall and 88kg frame means they struggle to find him bouts with fellow teenagers.

"He's fighting senior men and he won his fight by unanimous points decision."

Maua defeated Lower Hutt's Aaron Tucker, getting a standing eight count on him in the first round and then seeing off a comeback to get the nod from the judges after three rounds.

On March 26, fellow Warrior Brendan Wallace was also victorious in a 75kg bout, beating Wellingtonian Craig Johnston when the fight was stopped early in round three.

"Brendan's superior speed and skill was too much for Craig Johnston to handle," said Alderton.

Two fighters from River City Martial Arts were also on the card in non-counting novice fights.

Nathan Topia and Che Barlow did very well, with Barlow's fight being called off in the second round.

All of them will be competing at the Rumble, scheduled for Saturday, April 23.

Alderton said he has 13 fights lined up, and although this year's event doesn't have the big headline fight of previous Rumbles, about five or six of the bouts will be very good contests.

Awa Kings Lee Kara will compete at heavyweight against Rotorua's Jason Robinson.