Thai date as a NZ rep for Davis

The Wairarapa kickboxing fraternity has just received a major boost with news that 16-year-old Kirk Davis has been selected to represent New Zealand at the forthcoming World Muaythai Championships.
Davis, from the Featherston club, will be heading to Thailand to participate in the world champs, which begin on November 27. He is among a group of 20 Kiwi athletes who will be accompanied by 10 officials.
Davis has been selected to represent New Zealand in the under 60kg junior boys division after narrowly missing out for selection in the 63.5kg category.
"The 60kg division will actually suit him much better without compromising any of his power," coach Sue Latta said. "He's brutal with his kicking and his punching, and should score some serious points in the lighter weight division."
Davis will have the benefit of two more competitions to refine his skills before heading to Thailand. The first is a fight in Wellington on October 9, followed by a fundraising fight night in Featherston on November 6.
Davis will be accompanied to Thailand by his mother, Kelly, who will assist in his training as well as looking to qualify as an international judge and referee after graduating from a week-long seminar.
Meanwhile, Latta will not only be managing the New Zealand team but completing an invitation-only, five-day international instructor's qualification.
Financing the venture is a problem facing the trio, who are actively seeking sponsorship as well as hosting a housie night at the Royal Tavern in Featherston on October 17.