Cook Islands kickboxer Scholar Ngatokorua from Rarotonga has emerged a champion at the thrilling Ultimate Rage 30 Fight Night, which took place on September 9 at the ABA Stadium in Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand.

He is now the New Zealand World Martial Arts Federation Light Middleweight champion - his second international title, proving to be the outstanding fighter having faced off Jessie White a two-time middleweight champion from Hamilton.

Ngatokorua’s fight was one of the main attractions of the night.

Head coach, Torea Cowan who accompanied Ngatokorua to Aotearoa applauded his performance

 “I’m very happy with his win. He was dedicated to his training, and I’m proud of him for winning this championship because I know how hard he worked for it,” Cowan said.

The championship bout unfolded over five intense rounds, each showcasing Ngatokorua’s skill of martial arts techniques.

Supported by a dedicated team, including coach Tita Teei from Rarotonga, and former fighters Ed’s Heremia and Kaota Punarii from the esteemed Strike Force gym in Auckland, Ngatokorua fought strong from the red corner.

With seven years of boxing and kickboxing training under his belt, 19-year-old Ngatokorua is a proud member of The Avatiu Boxing and Martial Arts Club on Rarotonga.

Prior to the event, Ngatokorua underwent an intensive training programme involving rigorous cardio workouts and technical drills six days a week, under the guidance of Cowan.

Proving that commitment, sacrifice and hard work can reap rewards, his success serves as an inspiration to aspiring mixed martial artists in the Cook Islands.

In June this year, Ngatokorua in the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts’ (GAMMA) event in New Zealand, where in the Under 72 kilograms Super Welterweight ‘Elite’ Division walked away with the gold medal.

The Ultimate Rage 30 Fight Night was organised by Cook Islander Terry Tuteru from Salt Gym in Auckland, which showcased an impressive line-up of 26 fights, including boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing matches.

Looking ahead, The Avatiu Boxing and Martial Arts Club and Salt Gym have scheduled a mixed martial arts fight night event on Rarotonga for November 17.

Next year in March 2024, Ngatokorua will be participating in a fight night event in Tahiti. Ngatokorua expressed his gratitude and appreciation to his coaches, training partners, and supporters who have backed and bolstered his sporting journey.