The best came in the last bout of amateur boxing as Saili Fiso entertained fans in Hastings.
"It was great to watch and really showed the grit required to be an amateur boxer," said Craig McDougall, of the Giants Boxing promotion that drew a crowd of 220 to watch seven Hawke's Bay pugilists step into the ring at the club's second "Friday Night of Boxing" this year.
Jordan McConnaghie, of Porirua, had a tough start as host club member Fiso put the pressure on him early, landing firm shots to the southpaw's body which saw him yield an eight count at the end of round one.
However, McConnaghie came out with a new strategy in round two, trying to keep a stronger Fiso at a distance although it wasn't enough to bridge the gap on Fiso who still won the round.
The pair went toe to toe in round three, showing signs of fatigue but still landing clean shots. However, Fiso landed more with better quality and won well in the end.