Cops' fiery punch up

BY CARALISE MOORE

Firefighters and crimefighters are set for a punch up.

Rodney police and firefighters will bash each other - all for a good cause - next Saturday night, November 28.

Putting on the gloves for their first kickboxing fight are Silverdale volunteer firefighter Beven Shaw and Orewa police constable Daniel Wright.

The fight is the curtainraiser for a World Association of Kickboxing Organisation event run by Silverdale club Nibun Kickboxing at The Leisure Centre in Stanmore Bay.

Club coach Adriaan Heijns approached Beven, a new member to the club, with the idea.

"Adriaan asked me to help organise the event because I had experience helping with the Silverdale Fire Service open day last year," says Beven.

"Then he asked if I would fight in a fire versus police match. I thought I'd give it a go."

Beven has only been kickboxing for three months but has started training three times a week for two hours a session.

"I did karate for about six months when I was 20, but I haven't trained since, and I've never entered a fight competition.

"I've had a concussion in training from a smack to the head but that's about as bad as it's been."

Opponent Daniel hasn't got a lot of kickboxing experience either, but is quietly confident.

"I'm probably decidedly average, especially in fitness, but I can take a punch and I can give one too," says Daniel, who has been in the police force for about 10 years.

"I've known Beven for about seven years because I used to be a volunteer at the East Coast Bays fire brigade.

"He approached me to see if I would be interested in the competition, and I thought 'why not'.

"I've been punched a few times when I'm on duty, but fortunately not too often."

Daniel had a bit of martial arts training about 12 years ago.

"I'm not expecting to be able to knock Beven out, but I'm confident I won't be knocked out either," he says.

Silverdale firefighter Shelley Jones weighs in against a Waikato opponent - a meat factory worker.

"We couldn't find a female police officer who was keen to enter the event, but Adriaan has found someone who will put up a good fight," says Shelley.

"I've never been in a fight before, but I like trying new things."

She started kickboxing only a month ago.

"I've had a few good boofs but no knockout yet. Once you get hit a few times in the nose it gets you going.

"We're just learning to switch into fight mode. I enjoy the training side and fitness - they push you to the limit."

The night includes a national kickboxing title fight. The club's head instructor Claudia Heijns, 24, versus Pukekohe fighter Fleur Storr.

Twelve different bouts, from peewee seven-year-olds to veteran fighters are on the programme.

Nibun is fundraising for associated charity Chariot, which brings struggling local youths into the club to train and teach them fitness and discipline.

The trust works in association with Orewa College, police and social services.

Doors open on fight night from 6pm.

The club is selling VIP circle tickets from $1500 for a table of 10, which includes a catered dinner, drinks and a personal waiter.

Silver tables, which include dinner, drinks and a shared waiter, are $1000 for a table of 10, to just watch the fight is $30 a ticket.

Tickets at The Leisure Centre, Muldoons, or call organiser Yolanda on 027-2529-741.

- © Fairfax NZ News