Brent Sugrue hits Charlie Parker with a right on his way to victory at Capital Punishment 47. PHOTO/LIONESS PHOTOGRAPHY
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
CHRIS COGDALE
[email protected]
Fighters from Masterton’s Fortitude Gym had success at two events in Porirua and Rotorua last weekend.
Brent Sugrue [six wins, three defeats] fought Charlie Baker [8-8] from Proactive Martial Arts in Christchurch in the main event of Capital Punishment 47 at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.
Fighting in the 72kg class, Sugrue came out firing strongly from the first bell and was aggressive throughout to win the fight by decision.
“It was another dominant performance. Brent showed his ability to stand with the best New Zealand has to offer,” Fortitude Gym’s Zane Hopman said.
“He knows there were missed opportunities to finish the fight within the scheduled time and knows where he can improve.
“At the age of 38, Brent is only just starting to come into his abilities and has plenty more to give in the ring,” Hopman said.
Sugrue has a busy year ahead with two scheduled New Zealand title fights, as well as representing New Zealand in Thailand in Muay Thai at the IFMA world champs in July. He is expected to make his professional debut in the coming months.
Sugrue’s partner, Jade Fleetwood, has also been selected to compete in Thailand in the women’s 65kg category.
Serin Edwards fought Daniel McWatters from the Scorpion Gym in Palmerston North in the 86kg class.
In an evenly-contested bout, the two men exchanged strikes and combinations throughout but Edwards lost in a points decision.
Two female fighters were successful in their Muay Thai debuts, contested over three two-minute rounds, at the Budokan Dojo, Rotorua.
Charlee Gooding, 16, fighting in the 75kg class, won her bout by unanimous points decision. She earned a standing eight count on her opponent in the second round after consistent pressure and a barrage of well-executed combinations.
Sinead Namana, 23, won her 54kg bout by technical knockout in the third round. She unleashed a devastating body kick to end 2½ rounds of strong, clinical striking and ring control.
Hopman said special mention had to go to co-trainers Brendan Varty and Rhys Richards and supporting cornermen for their efforts over the past 12 weeks preparing these fighters.
