Boxer ready for the fight of his life
By SCOTT MORGAN - Auckland City Harbour News
IN TO WIN: Boxer Adrian Taihia is one of only two Kiwis competing for the title of The Contender Australia, which screens on Sky Sport 2 tonight.
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Boxer Adrian Taihia could become the first Kiwi Contender.
Taihia, 27, is one of just two New Zealanders selected to take part in boxing reality show The Contender Australia, which begins tonight on Sky Sport 2.
Rocky star Sylvester Stallone developed the American version of the show in 2005, with fighters taking part in challenges and battling it out in the ring for the title.
After hearing about The Contender Australia through local boxing circles, Taihia says he had no hesitation in auditioning for the show.
"I told the judges I’ve got the x-factor to prove myself worthy and I’ve got the discipline to bring to the competition and art of boxing," he says. "I was stoked when they picked me. I’ve only been boxing three years."
The Sandringham resident will go up against 14 others, including fellow Kiwi Daniel MacKinnon. The eventual winner is scheduled to take on former league player turned boxer Anthony Mundine.
Taihia admits the nature of reality television means there will be plenty of issues to deal with out of the ring as well as inside it.
"If you try to get along with everyone else you feel good about it and won’t get people back-stabbing or talking behind your back."
Taihia knows he’s light on boxing experience compared with other fighters in the competition, with just six fights, including five wins and a draw, to his name.
He used boxing in his training regime for club rugby league before his first professional fight last year.
However, he believes he’s in with a shot of facing Mundine for the title, along with winning a $25,000 cash prize, a car and overseas travel.
"It would be really good for me – a dream come true. I couldn’t ask for anything else."
Fights in the Contender Australia are made up of five three-minute rounds.
The father-of-three is dedicating his performances in the competition to his family and a friend who passed away recently. Taihia trains at the Kings Boxing Gym in Grey Lynn and is coached by former world title holder Guillermo Mosquera.
