KO victory for Varty

A champion Masterton kickboxer and his clubmate have been selected as back-up fighters for the national finals showdown for dominators of their discipline.
Tim Fairweather and multiple national title-holder Brendan Varty, both fighting under the banner of Harley's Kickboxing Gym, fought at the Extreme F1 event in Panmure at the weekend, coach Mal Harley said.
The Auckland round is the first in a series of four fight nights to be held throughout New Zealand under World Muaythai Council rules and represents "a hunt for the very best fighter in each weight division in the country", he said.
Varty, who carried an injury into his three two-minute round bout on Saturday, was facing 17-fight opponent Adam "Bang Bang" Smith, fighting out of the SMAC Gym in Auckland.
"Brendan was still carrying a leg injury from his title fight three weeks ago, that he won, and he was knocked to the canvas about 40 seconds into the first round. But everything changed from there and Brendan just took the guy apart.
"He totally blitzed him and I was really surprised when the fella came limping out for the third round. Brendan actually laid off him toward the end and came out with a KO when the ref stopped the fight."
Harley said Fairweather comprehensively won his bout against SMAC Gym fighter Peter "Boy" Paul but lost on a split decision against Auckland's City Lee Gar Gym fighter Rob Peniamina, Harley said.
He said Varty went on to forfeit his second bout because his leg injury had worsened in his first fight of the evening but both Masterton men have been selected as back-up fighters for the Extreme F1 finals to be held in Auckland in November.
Maori Television cameras were at the Panmure event, he said, although he is unsure when the footage would be broadcast.
Harley said Varty is now concentrating, along with his fellow club fighters, on the upcoming Battle of the Bush 2 fight night to be held at the Masterton Town Hall on April 9 on a card that includes 17 other bouts throughout the weight range.