Boxing fans on the island are eagerly awaiting the Cook Islands Boxing Association (CIBA) ‘Future Champions Fight Night’ this Friday, starting at 6pm, at the Tupapa Netball Domes.

Over 20 amateur boxers from Ngatangiia/Matavera Boxing Club, Waltingo Boxing Club (Kent Hall) and Rising Stars Boxing Club (Ruatonga) will be showing off their skills and stamina in the ring in a stacked card of title fights and profile matchups.

Terry Rangi, vice president of Cook Islands Boxing Association, says the major event is focused on strengthening the boxing clubs on the island and to provide them with much needed resources.

“We want to be proactive, to encourage and support our clubs at grassroots level,” said Rangi.

The opening exhibition bout will be between “two tough 50+ year old guys who are on a mission to promote men’s health”, showing their skills and energy to help motivate men to get off the couch and moving.

Pumped and ready to “sting like a bee”, 58-year-old Neil Savage will be stepping in the ring as “Nelly Shagga Savage” sparring against “float like a butterfly”, 52-year-old Shaun Christian, who will be fighting under his own yet to be revealed battle name, to inspire others to stay strong and healthy.

Savage said they want to emphasise the importance of men’s health.

“We’re on a mission to promote senior men’s health and welfare, showing that staying active and taking care of your well-being doesn’t stop at any age,” he said.

“We’re living proof that it is never too late to prioritise your health.

“We want to encourage men of all ages to take charge of their physical and mental well-being, proving that the younger generation has no excuses.”

Tickets are on sale at TEM’s Store in Tupapa.  Adult $10, child $5 and entry is free for children under five years.

For more information call Terry Rangi on phone 54299, or Liz Schuster on phone 79051.