5.44pm Hello and welcome to Nelson Live’s coverage of the Fight 4 Victory 3 event at the Trafalgar Centre tonight.
I’m sports editor Jacob Page and with me will be Nelson Live’s roaming reporter Brittany Spencer who will provide videos and photos of the event along with the trio of hardworking Shuttersport photographers, Evan Barnes, Barry Whitnall and Chris Symes.
The event starts at 6.30pm and the event is a sell out.
Join us as we live blog from ringside throughout the 11-fight card.
For a hilarious taster of tonight, check out Brittany’s Give It A Go Girl attempt in the Victory Boxing ring with last year’s competitor Emma ‘The Riddler’ Riddell.
6.30pm Here is the fight card
Fight 1 Joni ‘The Beast’ Nacagilevu v Pou ‘Fitisemanu Express’ Fitisemanu
Fight 2 Annie ‘The Assassin’ Trathen (58.5kg) v Sally ‘Mustang Sally’ Russ (55.5kg)
Fight 3 Craig ‘Chopper’ Morice (71.90kg) v Simon ‘Mad Dog’ Mardon (72.8kg)
Fight 4 Karly ‘Lights Out’ Larking (68.7kg) v Julie ‘The Terror’ Taylor (65.1kg)
Fight 5- ‘Iron’ Mike Vesty (78.9kg) v Andrew ‘Shocker Shaw (82.3kg)
Fight 6- Amber ‘Real Deal’ Rowland-Connor (53kg) v Kate (K.O) Donaldson (49.8kg)
Fight 7- Harry ‘The Highlander’ Morris (76.4kg) v John ‘The Badger’ Gallagher (78.2kg)
Fight 8- Corey ‘Streets on Fire’ Boland (74.1kg) v Jarrod ‘Lightening’ McLaughlan (72.8kg)
Fight 9- Adam ‘Bone Cracker’ Mokhtar 75kg) v Ben ‘Beast Mode’ Cox (73.6kg)
Fight 10 – Nathan ‘Razor’ Sharp (88.7kg) v Heath ‘Bam Bam’ Botica (84.8kg)
Fight 11- Matt ‘Mischief’ Ayloff v Mike ‘The Mauler’ Rutledge
6.32pm We’ve just had the national anthem and a haka from Victory Boxing.
Your first fight is coming up. Here’s a little background of fight No 1
Fight 1: Joni ‘The Beast’ Nacagilevu v Pou ‘Fitisemanu Express’ Fitisemanu
Joni has dropped 20kg for this fight but finding headgear big enough for Pou has been an unsuspecting challenge.
These super heavyweights are both former Nelson Bays props who are both trying to be better role models for their families.
Expect this to be a legit brawl. There’s plenty of mass in the ring here. Mike King is revving up the crowd. A slight edge to the blue team so far. Red team has won the last two Fight 4 Victory events.
Fights are three rounds of two minutes. It doesn’t sound like much but I got tired scramblng through the ropes an hour ago.
6.45pm Fighters are just moments away for bout No 1.
Pou coming out to Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ always a classic pump up song. He gets a pat on the head from his coach as he represents the red corner. He circles the ring like a shark.
Joni dubbed The Gentle Giant as he comes out to a little Eminem. Pou wins the battle of the music.
There’s a lot of Kiwi beef in the ring. Well over 300kg between these two men.
Round 1 – Joni landing some good shots early and Pou holding him off with the jab. Joni a couple of big left hands. To the body too. Joni with a big overhand right.
Pou gets the better of the final minute but he wasn’t as explosive as Joni.
Round one to Joni for sure. Po did look to have more energy at the end of round one
ROUND 2 – Pou starts with more energy in round two. His corner asks him to put his hands up. Joni more explosive and powerful but less active. Far more even round. Maybe Pou shades it as he hammers away in the corner to potentially won that round 1-1.
Round 3- Pou has found another gear and it looked like Joni was running scared for a bit there. I think Pou’s patient strategy has paid off. He kept coming forward and was the busier fighter. He might have produced the comeback. We will go to the scorecards.
Split decision 29-28 Pou, 29-28 Joni, 29-28 Pou.
Pou is your winner of Fight No 1
Pou says he wanted to fight at the last F4V but they couldn’t find anyone who weighed “half a tonne”. He credited Joni for taking the fight.
Fight 2: Annie ‘The Assassin’ Trathen (58.5kg) v Sally ‘Mustang Sally’ Russ (55.5kg)
These two have suggested they’ll have a beer with each other after the fight.
Sally says boxing is nothing compared to looking after her three-year-old daughter.
Sally is in the red corner while Annie is in the blue. Big support for Annie in the crowd.
I wouldn’t underestimate Sally. A mum to three including a toddler. This may actually be a relaxing time in comparison for Sally.
Round 1 – Sally has nice footwork while Annie just looks to come forward. Annie lands a couple of nice shots. Sally is staying out of dodge here. Annie reliant on her right hand as a weapon. Hard fight to judge such contrasting styles.
Round 2 Annie on the charge! big shots and is only halted by an accidental shot to the head. Sally looks the fitter fighter but she’s outgunned in the power department. interesting fight.
Round 3 – A chant of RED, RED goes up. Sally responds too. She’s fitter and Annie looks to her corner for an idea or two. It’s a slug-fest in the last round. I’ll give the fight to Sally for being more consistent over three rounds but it is close.
JUDGES DECISION – 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 winner Sally Russ!
FIGHT 3: Craig ‘Chopper’ Morice (71.90kg) v Simon ‘Mad Dog’ Mardon (72.8kg)
Simon is a long distance runner so finding the core fitness to do this wasn’t an issue.
Craig was one of the most excited fighters when signing up and he admitted at the weigh in he’d been reading about the sweet science. He’s also been cutting back on the pizza and beer.
Simon says he wants his fight to be a classic.
He described his dream scenario as like watching a bulldog eating custard. A bit messy but fun to watch.
Welcome to the Jungle for Simon. Good tune. He looks fit. He’ll go six minutes and that’s been the key in the previous two fights.
Craig bounces into the ring looking fresh the adrenaline all there.
Round 1 – Good right hand from Simon, fast pace from both guys early as seems customary. Very even fight, similar styles. Nothing spectacular but a high work rate.
Round 2 – Both men land some good punches. Jab starts to work for Simon. Fitness again ladies and gentlemen. Big right hand from Simon earns him a an advantage. Craig gets a standing eight count to recover. Simon’s round and his fight to lose after that big right.
Round 3 – An even third round, credit to Craig for staying in there. A chant of Mad Dog goes up in the crowd. Simon well in control here. They embrace at the end. an entertaining fight right there.
Simon wins in a unanimous decision and its 3-0 to the red team so far tonight.
Fight 4: Karly ‘Lights Out’ Larking (68.7kg) v Julie ‘The Terror’ Taylor (65.1kg)
Beware of the 40-year-old Scottish international Julie Taylor Summit Real Estate.
She met her husband Callum who was playing rugby in Scotland in 2003, came to Nelson in 2003 to meet his family and decided to stay.
And tonight she wants to win.
Her mum has flown out for the fight from Scotland family chipped in for the flight.
Steak and pasta was Karly’s meal last night after a strict diet for the past two weeks. The 38-year-old works at ANZ in Nelson and admitted she was nervous heading into tonight’s fight.
Most of her family is up north but she will have her partner and many friends in the crowd tonight.
This will be one of the best women’s fights of the night. Karly is legit and Julie is from Scotland so she’s tough. Goes without saying when you are from the land of the thistle.
Round 1 – These two are going at it. Not a lot of technique but both women are giving as good as they get so far. Julie landing the cleaner shots but Karly is holding her own and pressing forward. Even stuff.
Round 2 – Karly takes the advantage by pressing forward on her front foot. She’s relentless. Julie lands some good right hands but gets caught on the counter. Both fighters spent energy-wise.
Round 3 – This fight could go either way, I have Karly just in front. Karly starts the stronger in the deciding round. Punches to the body. Julie’s corner tell her the last round is for mum to motivate her. Julie finds a right! she’s finishing the stronger somehow despite being spent! This has been a great fight. Could go either way. I’ll say Karly has it because sitting on the fence is dull.
Decision – split decision 28-29 Larking, 29-28 Taylor, 29-28 Larking
Karly Larking gets the W for the blue team. Deservedly so.
Fight 5: ‘Iron’ Mike Vesty (78.9kg) v Andrew ‘Shocker Shaw (82.3kg)
Mike has the best looking jaw on the card but this bout is bound to be a crowd favourite with two lawyers punching each other for six minutes.
Andrew’s wife is a week overdue with their second child as of the weigh-in on Friday night so if the 35-year-old takes his eye off his opponent then it could be interesting.
Andrew will have the height and reach advantage.
Round 1 – Timid start so far, even contest. A bit more technical than the previous fights. Nothing substantial. Possible Mike’s round but not by much.
Round 2 – Mike is controlling things with a good basic game. Both men moving well. A bit of blood coming from Mike’s nose as Andrew’s jab goes to work. Perhaps his round and we are all even.
Round 3 – Andrew staggers Mike and gets an eight count. That could be the turning point. Andrew has gotten stronger over the fight. He’s landing the shots and should win the fight.
Decision Unanimous 29-28 Andrew Shaw Red Team up 4-1
Both men hug and say they did it together, Nice touch from both guys.
Fight 6: Amber ‘Real Deal’ Rowland-Connor (53kg) v Kate (K.O) Donaldson (49.8kg)
Amber has had to put on 14kg for this fight but is motivated to do it for her young daughter.
She weighted just 40kg 18 months ago and admits she’s in the shape of her life.
Both fighters shared a hug at the launch back in July but expect the fists to fly tonight.
Round 1 – This should be a fizzer. Amber’s shot at vindication and Kate trying to live up to her KO reputation. Kate using her size and reach well. Amber tying to step in to close the distance. Kate lands a couple of nice left hands, really nice. Has won the opening round.
Round 2 Amber lands a nice right to the chin which rocks Kate back initially. Kate takes charge and rocks Amber on the ropes. Amber pushes away, credit to her but she’s struggling to put combos together and Kate controls the fight after two rounds.
Round 3 – Kate controlling the fight. Too big and powerful for Amber and she earns an eight count. Amber keeps coming forward, She’s taken some punishment but keeps fronting. They hug. Most one-sided fight of the night but Amber was so, so tough.
Decision Unanimous decision Kate Donaldson
Fight 7: Harry ‘The Highlander’ Morris (76.4kg) v John ‘The Badger’ Gallagher (78.2kg)
Free drinks at Harry’s restaurant and bar are on the line in this one – joking.
Harry is the fittest he’s ever been at 51-years-old, has two of his three children here tonight as well as a brother who’s come up from Dunedin.
Underestimated the work that goes into the prep but is looking forward to a measured approach to his fight.
John, 46, from Nelson, has lived here for 14 years after extending a two year work visa from England.
Working at Gibbons Construction he’s got a couple of tables here to cheer him on.
Mid life crisis perhaps.
Of the $20,000 raissed by the boxers for Victory Boxing, John has raised $9000 by threatening his sub-contractors.
A keen fisherman and Dad of two is excited to give this a go.
Round 1 – Big crowd support for the oldest fighter here tonight. He has a quiet charisma and may be playing possum on his abilities. He’s rugged. Will be an interesting fight. John looks the faster, a massive ”Harry” chant goes up. That hasn’t been heard since the days of cricketer Chris Harris. I digress. John eases his way forward, He ha a nice right, Harry leads with his left. John’s round but Harry hung tough.
Round 2 – Harry gets a little more offence in. Big crowd advantage for him. When john comes forward and lands a combo its proving too much for Harry but when John stands still Harry is making him pay. John relies on the jab but probably still won the round.
Round 3 – The right hook does the damage for John and it earns him consecutive eight counts. Harry says he’s ok. John warned twce for low punches, That’s it. The ref stops it.
Harry’s forced to call it a night 1 min 30 into the third round. Only the second time a TKO has happened.
Fight 8: Corey ‘Streets on Fire’ Boland (74.1kg) v Jarrod ‘Lightening’ McLaughlan (72.8kg)
Jarrod is an aircraft engineer for Aie New Zealand based in Richmond. The 27-year-old’s partner and family and friends will be table-side. He wants the win to make the beer taste even sweeter post-fight.
Corey is a personal trainer and is a Victory Kid through and through and has been vocal about his desire to take a stand and help the community that gave so much to him. He’s dedicated the bout to a life-long friend who committed suicide.
This is a potential fight of the night candidate. Jarrod is quite intense, Corey is the complete opposite. Both men want to put on a show.
Round 1 – Good movement from Jarrod early, moving his head well and landing the left. Even fight Jarrod seems capable of sticking with the personal trainer for now. His round.
Round 2 This fight is surprisingly one-sided so far. Jarrod’s right is doing all the damage, The crowd is into the fight with both fighters having their section but its another round to Jarrod and he just needs to fight smart in round three.
Round 3 It’s the Jarrod McLaughlan Show! Lightening indeed. His hook is too much to handle. Dominance again for Jarrod.
Unanimous decision winner Jarrod McLaughlan
Fight 9: Adam ‘Bone Cracker’ Mokhtar 75kg) v Ben ‘Beast Mode’ Cox (73.6kg)
Ben- originally from England, is 30-years-old and has his first baby on the way in March. He started at Victory Boxing two years ago to lose weight has lost 14kg Always goes out there to win.
Adam, ironically a chiropractor, hence the nickname has been using his skills to help out his fellow fighters.
Adam has been doing boxing casually for five years and is living his dream to step between the ropes for a bout.
He’s also dabbled in ballroom dancing.
Round 1 – The Chiropracter living up to his nickname so far but when Ben moves he looks good, very good. Even first round. Ben winning the latter and Adam the beginning.
Round two – So even. Hard to call. Both guys looking for a big shot but can’t land it yet.
Round three – This fight is anyone’s. It may come down to fitness and will at this point. It’s Ben who is pushing forward and has the momentum. Final minute and it’s still anyone’s to call.
Decision: Ben Cox wins a split decision. Close fight. Yet another win for the red team.
Fight 10: Nathan ‘Razor’ Sharp (88.7kg) v Heath ‘Bam Bam’ Botica (84.8kg)
The Fight of the potential heavy-hitters with sensational beards to boot.
Both men look like they stepped out of a cabin in the woods.
The 47-year-old from Monaco, runs an electrical and air conditioning business. Has two beers after each training and they are probably the sweetest they’ve ever tasted. It helps with the electrolytes.
Heath has taken this fight on three weeks notice having fought in the previous Fight 4 Victory.
He is the only boxer in the history of the event to win by TKO, all other fights have gone the distance and openly admits to liking being punched in the face.
Round 1: Both men look like beasts. This should be awesome. Heath is technically better. Nathan lunging forward just trying to get a feel for things early. Nice body shot from Heath and its probably his round.
Round 2 – A more technical Nathan this time around but Heath is still dominating the fight, Not overpowering but totally in control. He’s using his experience well.
Round 3 – A couple of nice right hands from Nathan, Showing what he’s made of but it may be too late. Heath is in total control of the Battle of the Beards. It’s been an entertaining fight, all the same. Nathan finished the stronger.
Decision: Split Dec 29-28 Sharp, 29-28 Botica, 29-28 Sharp
Nathan Sharp wins. I called that wrong. I had it the other way but hey, Nathan finished stronger and the added training helped I”m sure.
Fight 11: Matt ‘Mischief’ Ayloff v Mike ‘The Mauler’ Rutledge
Matt has vowed to put Mike on his bum for every ratepayer in Nelson and he hasn’t overdone his preparation but does he have that aggressive competitive streak?
Mike, the Nelson City Councillor is the heavy favourite for this fight.
Mike pumped up almost takes out Brittany as she videos. That’s the laugh of the night.
Round 1- Mike charges like a bull. Interesting strategy. He is the aggressor for now. Matt just trying to work his way into the fight. Matt lands a few good shots towards the end but Mike has a good straight right which probably won him that round.
Round 2 Mike continues with the power. It’s been very impressive but Matt is not out of this fight, He just needs to land more. Mike looked a bit tired.
Round three: Mike Rutledge is throwing bombs. Big overhand right and Matt is on the retreat. You sense Mike wants to finish this fight. Ultra aggressive and its paying dividends. It’s Mike’s fight.
Decision: Split decision 30-27 Mike 29-28 Matt, 29-28 Mike Rutledge
Mike wins the main event.
