A sell-out night of boxing is set to return to the Thames-Coromandel next month, with two pro fights and amateurs stepping into the ring to “realise a dream”.
Hosted by Never Surrender Boxing Club, Chaos on the Coromandel will again be held inside the Thames Civic Centre on April 12, and spokesperson Andrew Connaughton said it was a great feeling to stand inside the hall and “see people from around our community come together and enjoy an evening of entertainment”.
“It is also amazing to see competitors realise a dream, overcome the doubts and fears, and meet the ultimate challenge,” he told The Profile.
“To see the elation, the camaraderie between fighters win or lose… It’s a bizarre situation when you have two opponents enter the ring for the ultimate test, who after it is all over, spend time talking, hugging, consoling, having a beer, congratulating each other. It is incredible to be part of people’s journey, and to see the positive effect these bouts have on people and their lives.”
Chaos On The Coromandel has been running for several years, starting back in February, 2014, though it has not been held consecutively.
Andrew said this year, after securing main sponsorship from JDN Construction, as well as support from Destination Hauraki Coromandel and the Regional Event Fund, they will be able to put on two pro fights.
“Topping the bill we have our very own – Hauraki’s Champion – Francis ‘The Punisher’ Waitai, defending his NZ Super Middleweight title against Adrian ‘The Terrah’ Taihai.
“This will be Francis’ first defence of his NZ Super Middleweight title,” Andrew said, “and will propel him to compete for the IBO Asia Pacific title in Hamilton as he restarts his journey back up the world rankings.”
There will also be a women’s super lightweight pro fight between Sheilla Yama and Tricia MacKenzie, as well as amateur and corporate bouts for a total of 20-25 fights on the night.
“Being able to host an event in Thames is special for our club. Firstly it gives our boxers and competitors the opportunity to compete on home turf,” Andrew said.
“Many of our amateurs are youngsters, for example the Killian brothers, who are 14 and 16 years old, so to be at home means their family and school friends get to see them compete and the boxers get to show their skills and hard work.”
Andrew also said hosting in Thames provided the organisers to source the lighting crew, sound technicians, caterers, serving staff, poster printers, t-shirt makers, and florists all locally.
Overall, he said Chaos on the Coromandel had the ability to bring people together.
“I have nothing but admiration and a deep respect for anyone that faces the challenge of entering the ring. I beam with pride at every single one of our club competitors. They face the ultimate test,” he said. “I seriously doubt it is an old fart like me that inspires these people, but it is the club, the environment it creates, the brotherhood and sisterhood it creates, the sense of family, the sense that we all have each other’s back, the sense that they are not alone in this journey.We really do have a great bunch of members, with a very strong bond.”
DETAILS: Chaos On The Coromandel will be held at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre, 200 Mary St, on Saturday, April 12 from 5pm. Tickets available via eventfinda.co.nz
BY KELLEY TANTAU
