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Stanmore Bay boxer Marcus Heywood has the chance to make history when he fights Tauranga’s Nicholas Benn for the vacant Pro Box NZ middleweight title at Fight Night V in Ōrewa on November 30.
Heywood already holds the NZ Professional Boxing Commission middleweight title, which he won back in 2022 beating Shay Brock by technical knockout, so if he wins his upcoming bout he’ll become the first fighter to hold the two belts at the same time.
Fight Night V promoter Craig Thomson says if Heywood wins, he’ll unify the two titles.
“People have the chance to witness a little bit of history,” he says.
Hibiscus Coast is also guaranteed to make boxing history as this is the first time the Pro Box NZ middleweight title has been contested here.
“It’s going to be one of the best local fights in New Zealand this year. It’s between two guys at the peak of their powers, and they’re going to let it all hang loose. No one is going to take a backwards step.”
Thomson says that what makes the fixture so exciting is that Heywood faces a hard-nosed opponent in Nicholas Benn.
“Nick is super fit and he’s tough. I don’t say tough like everyone says he’s tough, I really mean he’s a rugged and tough boxer,” he says.
So the crowd can expect to get their money’s worth?
“We have two guys whose styles mesh nicely, which just makes for fireworks. It’s going to be an absolute war. They both come forward and throw heaps of shots. It’s going to be a hell for leather brawl, and a great spectacle.”
The undercard features a women’s professional bout with Tauranga’s Hannah Walker taking on Hamilton’s Toni Moki in a non-title fight.
Thomson says Walker is an exciting young talent, who stopped her opponent in the first round last time she fought in Ōrewa, while Moki is a good, gutsy fighter.
The event will also feature many local corporate boxers from the area.
“It’s going to be a great night, and an awesome way to finish the year for people that want to get a table for their Christmas function,” Thomson says.
“It’s one of the last big fights of the year, certainly on the Hibiscus Coast.”
Fight Night V; Ōrewa’s Arts & Events Centre 76 Riverside Road, Ōrewa; Saturday, November 30, 4pm to 10pm.
