Battle of the Bush awesome, says Baron

Organiser Bryce Baron, the current New Zealand cruiserweight weight champion, didn't get to fight after two prospective rivals pulled out at late notice but he was thrilled with the success of the Battle of the Bush kick boxing promotion held before a packed house at the Masterton Town Hall on Saturday night.
"It was awesome, just awesome," Baron, from the Masterton- based Harley's Kick Boxing Club, said.
"There was some quality fights and the crowd were amazing."
Held under full Thai kick boxing rules, the feature bout at the Masterton tournament was that for the national super light heavyweight title between Lee Williams of Christchurch and Shannon Wilson of Napier.
It was a high class encounter with Wilson taking a deserved unanimous points decision.
Masterton's own Cody Tumuri could be considered a trifle unlucky not to have beaten Kapiti's Rhys Collier in their bout which was for the TBA super middleweight North Island title.
Tumuri appeared to have the edge in the first two rounds but was bout was stopped in the third round because of blood from a cut to his face, Collier therefore being awarded a TKO.
In all 13 fights were staged and Baron says the popularity of the promotion augurs well for similar tournaments to be held here in the future.
"Kick boxing is not only skilful but it's great entertainment, it's got a lot going for it," he said.