Caged fight exceeds all expectations

Despite last minute pull-outs due to injuries the show went ahead, the night kicking off with Luke Simms in what Tai described as a “firecracker” of a match.

“At the end of the third round Luke ran out of puff and his opponent was just in a better position than what he was and won,” Tai said.

But the wins started flowing for Young when Tiger Butt took to the ring.

“The first round looked like his opponent was getting over the top of him, there was a stoppage there so doctors could check out Tiger,” Tai said.

“Upon the resumption of the second round Tiger got a second wind from somewhere and overpowered his opponent and got the win.

“My emotions were up and down something cronic - I’ve been skydiving, bungee jumping, and I tell you what, nothing compares to being at a caged fight!”

Rick Bennett’s bout was a short affair after his opponent striked him to the chin which caused him to stumble and hit the floor hard.

“He was okay, but the ref waved off the fight,” Tai said.

Last minute step-in Daniel Cousley’s fight was also pulled up by the ref. Despite evading his opponent’s strikes, he wasn’t able to advance into a better position.

Fight of the night went to Luke Apps who, exactly like Tiger, competed in a see-sawing event.

“His opponent threw everything at him - the kitchen sink and the basin - but somehow Mr Scrappy Apps found a will to not be denied that win,” Tai said.

“Second round his opponent pushed him hard up against the cage, then the action went to the floor and that’s where Lukey turned it on and submitted his opponent through a guillotine choke.”

Tai said the wins were absolute “humdingers” and he was proud his local boys were able to take two wins from five competitors.

The feedback from those in attendance was nothing but positive, with most commenting on the comradeship shown by competitors.

“A lot of people came up to me at the end of the night commenting on the sportsmanship all athletes displayed to one another, the mutual respect and overall sportsmanship really,” Tai said.

“Everyone walked away winners, not as losers.”

Due to the sheer support shown by those in attendance, organisers hope to bring the action back to Young in 18 months’ time.

“It felt like literally hundreds were there on the night,” Tai said.

“All I know is the audience...the sound was deafening. And I’ve been to rock concerts, this definitely matched it for raucous noise.”