Tommy ‘The Machine Gunn' Wright and Tauranga fighter Wendy Talbotare kickboxing in front of a home crowd at the ‘Muay Thai Mayhem 4' event at Mount Sports Centre this Saturday, March 19.


Current NZ Thai Boxing title holder Tommy ‘The Machine Gunn' Wright and Tauranga fighter Wendy Talbot: Photo by Bruce Barnard.

'Muay Thai is very popular in New Zealand and this local show gives our fighters an opportunity to compete in their hometown and fight in front of a home crowd,” says kickboxing trainer and Red Dragon promotions manager Brent Maharey.
'This is the first of three shows we have planned for 2011, and the fourth in the series so far.”
There are 11 fights scheduled, including eight amateur fights, and three main events – two of which are New Zealand female title fights. The final fight on the night is an Extreme Thai Rules bout which uses a variety of martial art disciplines, including ground fighting and stand-up fighting techniques.
Doors open at 6pm, fighting begins at 7pm at Mount Sports Centre. Tickets cost $25 pre sale or $35 at the door.

Meet the local competitors from
Red Dragon Thai Boxing Club:
Tommy Wright, 20
Tommy had his first fight when he was only 12. He currently holds the NZ Thai Boxing title and will fight in the final fight of the night, an Extreme Thai Rules bout.
'This fight is a rematch for me – my competitor beat me last time and I am eager to get one back on him,” says Tommy, who has been training using jujitsu for his ground game to complement the stand-up fighting he is used to.
'Thank you to my sponsor Gasoline Alley Motorcycles.”
Wendy Talbot, 18
Wendy will fight for the Thai Boxing Association New Zealand Lightweight Title on Saturday. She's trained in kickboxing for three years and has been fighting for one. This will be her fifth fight and first title fight.
'It will be a hard fight, but I'm really looking forward to it and hope to walk away with a title. The atmosphere is always exciting and the crowd is really encouraging,” says Wendy.
Brady Moffatt, 20
This is Brady's second amateur fight in the two years he has been training.
'I've been running a lot along the beach as well as my regular training. I'm really looking forward to my fight and the overall night, watching the other fights.”
Devin Gibbs, 21
Devin has only been kickboxing for four months.
'This is my first fight, so I'm pretty nervous. I've been training five days a week at the club and am running on my own to prepare. It's nerve wrecking but I'm confident and have a great trainer. I'm looking forward to a good fight.”
Alby Te Whare, 36
Alby began training in 2008.
'I've had one fight so far and am feeling confident and relaxed for this second one. I have a lot of family and workmates coming to support me.”
Zephyr Hawkins, 15
Zephyr has been kickboxing for two years. 'This is my fourth amateur fight and I'm feeling confident – hoping for a knock out.”