Ladies of the ring to square off
BY ESTHER TAUNTON
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"Kamikaze" Kirsten Livingstone and Andrea "Leadfist" Leadbetter are not pulling any punches ahead of their charity boxing bout.
Volunteer firefighter Leadbetter will go toe-to-toe with fitness trainer Livingstone as part of the Fight For Good event in New Plymouth on October 9.
In true heavyweight style, the pair are already trading verbal blows.
"We started sparring this week and there's been a bit of blood," Leadbetter said.
"Did you bleed?" Livingstone asked, an eyebrow raised.
"They didn't get me – I must be quicker than you."
The pair are the only female fighters taking part in the event, which features five other bouts.
Former All Black Frank Bunce takes on sports reporter Hamish McKay; New Plymouth publican Doc van Praagh will square off against businessman John Gray; and Waste Management manager Shane Robertson faces another ex-All Black, Bryce Robins.
Representing the police, Billy Hill gloves up against Waitara Bears rugby league coach Stacey O'Carroll and in a battle almost as old as the internal combustion engine, Tim Paul steps into the ring for Ford while Holden's Ben Cole waits in the opposite corner.
With half of their 12-week training programme completed, it is a tough call as to which of the women is feeling more confident.
"I'm gonna wipe her," Leadbetter said.
"I'll outskill you, easy," Livingstone countered.
There was barely a pause before her opponent fired back with: "I'll outsmash you."
With just 90 seconds on the clock for each of the fight's four rounds and the adrenaline already pumping, it is sure to be a fast and furious encounter.
The Fight For Good is a fundraiser for New Plymouth Old Boys Surf Life Saving and the newly formed Lantern House Trust which is saving to build a house for children and teens with disabilities.
Tickets for the event, at the TSB Stadium, are available from House of Travel and Benny's Books in New Plymouth and Butlers Reef in Oakura.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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