Boxing a big success

Saturday’s Fight Night was a huge success with former rugby league great turned boxer Monty Betham pulling the crowds.

Betham mixed and mingled with boxing enthusiasts that turned out to the Telecom Sports Arena for the fundraiser evening.

Signed rugby jerseys including a Warriors jersey signed by the 2010 squad were auctioned off to raise funds for the Te Vaerua Rehabilitation Centre while funds raised from ticket sales will go towards the Cook Islands boxers preparing for the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October and the Cook Islands Sports Association.

After an evening of exciting bouts between local club boxers and CISA – Betham donned his gloves for an exhibition match with Commonwealth Games hopeful Mathew Tito.

Betham was all class and speed in the ring as he toyed with Tito.

And after an excellent exhibition of boxing, other local boxers who’d already boxed that evening lined up for a chance to box with the champion.

And despite not being fully kitted out in protective gears save for a mouth guard and faking a injured leg for a laugh – Betham accepted the challenges from the local boxers in what were very speedy one minute round bouts.

After a great bout with Tito, Betham then faced off against national boxer Eddie Daniel who sizzled at the opportunity to box with Betham.

Betham then faced Osolai Agai in his final exhibition match of the night.

He thanked the crowd for an awesome night and for digging deep to support the worthy causes that funds were being raised for that night.

It was certainly one of the most exciting and well organised fight nights seen in recent years and credit must go to Tina Iro and her team for a smoothly run event which saw corporate ticket holders seated ring side and given silver service.

Check out pages 10, 11 and 12 for the fight night bout report and more photos.