Title fights loom for Wairarapa kickboxers

ELITE: New Zealand professional kickboxing champion Brendan Varty (right) of Wairarapa, tops the bill at the upcoming Battle of the Bush 3 tournament on November 23 at the Genesis Energy Recreation Centre in Masterton, where he will battle elite Australian fighter Ben Burrage for the WKBF South Pacific Pro Light Middleweight Championship title. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Elite kickboxers from Wairarapa and beyond will battle for national and international supremacy at the Battle of the Bush 3 fight night in Masterton.

Bryce Baron, head coach at Fortitude ThaiBoxing Gymnasium, said the Masterton gym was hosting the event at the Genesis Energy Recreation Centre on November 23.

Brendan Varty, Fortitude fighter and New Zealand World Muaythai Council Pro Light Middleweight champion, tops the bill for the tournament, where he will battle for the WKBF South Pacific Pro Light Middleweight title against three time world amateur champion Ben Burrage, of Australia.

Baron said despite the Australian fighter boasting a record of more than 60 wins from 72 fights, Varty was in the best form of his professional career to date and "it will take a sledgehammer to stop him on the night".

"Burrage is the business for sure but Brendan is looking very sharp. Every fight he just keeps lifting and lifting and he's totally dangerous, fit, strong and raring to go.

"I have to say he's in the best form I've seen him and fighting in front of a hometown crowd will give him that extra incentive - this boy from Wairarapa who's taking on the best in the world."

Baron said fellow Fortitude fighter and WMC North Island Cruiserweight title-holder Zane Hopman also is looking in top form ahead of the tournament, where he will fight Eden Mcgrath from ETK Auckland for the WMC New Zealand Cruiserweight title.

"Zane's on a 10-fight winning streak and since he stepped up weight divisions, he's only had one fight go the distance. He stopped all the others early and there's no reason to believe his bout with McGrath will be any different," Baron said.

Fortitude fighters Brent Segrue and Jade Williams also have fights on the night, he said, with Segrue fighting his first competitive bout in the 72kg weight division against Jesse Johnston, of Assassin's Guild in Wanganui, and Williams pitted against Tyler Hedley, of New Plymouth's Thai Boxing Studio. Both Williams and Hedley are undefeated fighters.

Baron said there are 14 fights on the card that also will include the WMC North Island Lightweight title fight between Alexi Serepisos, of JAI Thai Boxing Gym in Wellington, and Sanchi Aung, of City Kickboxing in Auckland.

Two former Masterton fighters are alos on the card, including 67kg fighter Andrew McGrath and 71kg fighter Chris Miller, who both now fight out of Muay Thai Institute Wellington in the captial.

Female fighters to join battle on the night are Genitaine Lupi, of MTI Wellington, who will fight Roseanne Te Hau, of Strikeforce in Auckland, he said.

Baron said Fortitude trainers, fighters and members have been working hard ahead of the tournament and all are grateful to major sponsors of the event, including Sargents Motorcycles, Wai Weight Private Gym Masterton, PGG Wrightsons, Pinfolds Transport, Supreme Automotive, Ordish and Stevens, Bill Hammond Transport, The Rock FM, and Hair EFX

"It is by far the biggest card ever in Wairarapa and the line-up really brings together some of the best fighters out there today.

"It will be an explosive night and fight fans really will be treated to a display of elite level fighting."

Tickets to Battle of the Bush 3 cost $20 each and are available at Fortitude Thaiboxing Gymnasium or at Paper Plus in Queen St. There will be limited door sales on the night at $25 apiece.