\u201cIt\u2019s a tough one. You can\u2019t win all matches, but you just learn from it, and it\u2019s just fired me up even more. This will be the fight I finish with my hand raised.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vatuvei said he \u201cupped the ante\u201d in training and felt prepared for whatever challenges came his way.<\/p>\n
When asked what spectators and fans should expect from him on the night, he said \u201cfireworks\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019m fit enough to go all the way and I can handle the punches. It\u2019s going to be a banger, and hopefully, everyone brings the heat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manu Vatuvei (right) is set to feature in the main event at Battle of the Clubs 4 on November 14. Photo \/ Jordan Rose<\/p>\n
Battle of the Clubs promoter Carlos Price, who comes from a professional rugby background, said the event \u201cmarried together\u201d grassroots rugby and community sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can double it as a sort of a fundraiser at the same time, then it\u2019s kind of win-win, and the winning club gets $10,000, which is a good chunk of change for a club.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the shows were often a display of \u201cclub passion\u201d with a stadium full of people who cared deeply about their rugby club.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201c[And] I believe it is the fastest-growing grassroots boxing show in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Competing clubs include the Arataki Bears, Mangakino Hawks, Matamata, Ngongotah\u0101 Chiefs, \u014ct\u016bmoetai Eels, Pacific Sharks, Papamoa Bulldogs, Pikiao Warriors, Te Paamu and Tauranga Whalers.<\/p>\n
More than 1500 spectators are expected to attend the fundraiser. Photo \/ Jordan Rose<\/p>\n
Arataki Bears club member Gavin Causer said he was looking forward to testing himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn rugby league, it\u2019s a team sport. In boxing, you\u2019re pretty much on your own, so you\u2019ve got to stand on your own two feet.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the club had been a massive help in supporting him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey helped me with fight camp, they\u2019re always there no matter what, and they\u2019re always backing each and every one of our fighters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Causer said the $10,000 prize for the Arataki club \u201cmeans everything\u201d and would make a real difference to the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be life-changing, to be honest, and a good boost for the club, so I just hope I can make the club proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
Battle of the Clubs 4 (BOTC4) <\/p>\n
When: November 14<\/p>\n
Where: Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga<\/p>\n
Doors Open: 5pm (First fight, 6pm)<\/p>\n