Vatuvei told the Bay of Plenty Times that he was “pretty surprised” by the call-out from Peato.
“It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but I’m not going to take this fight more lightly than any other fights I’ve had, so I’ve got to be prepared for whatever comes my way.”
The event marks an opportunity for Vatuvei to bounce back after suffering the first defeat of his boxing career in August at another Battle of the Clubs event in Whangārei.
“It’s a tough one. You can’t win all matches, but you just learn from it, and it’s just fired me up even more. This will be the fight I finish with my hand raised.”
Vatuvei said he “upped the ante” in training and felt prepared for whatever challenges came his way.
When asked what spectators and fans should expect from him on the night, he said “fireworks”.
“I think I’m fit enough to go all the way and I can handle the punches. It’s going to be a banger, and hopefully, everyone brings the heat.”
Manu Vatuvei (right) is set to feature in the main event at Battle of the Clubs 4 on November 14. Photo / Jordan Rose
Battle of the Clubs promoter Carlos Price, who comes from a professional rugby background, said the event “married together” grassroots rugby and community sport.
“It’s using a boxing show as a vehicle to drive passion, pride and attention back into grassroots rugby. Each sport has good alignment with rugby and boxing being physical.”
The event also serves as a fundraiser, with a percentage of every ticket sold through a participating club going back to that club to support its operations and future initiatives.
Price said clubs were finding it harder to raise the funds needed to keep operating, making initiatives such as Battle of the Clubs increasingly valuable.
“If we can double it as a sort of a fundraiser at the same time, then it’s kind of win-win, and the winning club gets $10,000, which is a good chunk of change for a club.”
He said the shows were often a display of “club passion” with a stadium full of people who cared deeply about their rugby club.
“I wanted to create something that could help bring that sort of love and attention back to grassroots level rugby and use boxing as the way to do it.
“[And] I believe it is the fastest-growing grassroots boxing show in the country.”
Competing clubs include the Arataki Bears, Mangakino Hawks, Matamata, Ngongotahā Chiefs, Ōtūmoetai Eels, Pacific Sharks, Papamoa Bulldogs, Pikiao Warriors, Te Paamu and Tauranga Whalers.
More than 1500 spectators are expected to attend the fundraiser. Photo / Jordan Rose
Arataki Bears club member Gavin Causer said he was looking forward to testing himself.
“In rugby league, it’s a team sport. In boxing, you’re pretty much on your own, so you’ve got to stand on your own two feet.”
He said the club had been a massive help in supporting him.
“They helped me with fight camp, they’re always there no matter what, and they’re always backing each and every one of our fighters.”
Causer said the $10,000 prize for the Arataki club “means everything” and would make a real difference to the club.
“It would be life-changing, to be honest, and a good boost for the club, so I just hope I can make the club proud.”
Battle of the Clubs 4 (BOTC4)
When: November 14
Where: Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga
Doors Open: 5pm (First fight, 6pm)
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.