BOXING

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THIS Saturday night (October 25), Traralgon will once again be a hive for combat sport and martial arts lovers, with 44 Magnum Promotions’ Fight Night Turbine 5 arriving.

Upwards of 20 fights will be featured across the evening at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, with the packed card including boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai at both amateur and professional level.

Amateur fights fall under the guidance of the VABL (Victorian Amateur Boxing League) and VAMMA (Victorian Amateur Martial Arts Association).

A number of fighters come from within Gippsland, making this truly a special experience, not just for the onlookers, but for those stepping into the ring.

Multiple time world champion kickboxer and former professional boxer, Traralgon’s Steven Baldacchino (also the promoter of Fight Night Turbine 5) trains and coaches many of the local fighters out of The 44 Gym.

A total of 13 come from The 44 Gym, including Peter Pirona featuring in the main event bout against Darian ‘Dazz’ Kolovos.

Two title fights also headline, with Narre Warren’s Eren Selvi taking on Newcastle’s Jordan Smart for the 44 Magnum 63.5kg belt, while Narre Warren’s Bilal Niazi faces Townsville’s Michael Lamrock for the 44 Magnum 60kg title.

Just as last year included the Barista Bash, the upcoming Fight Night will also feature a similarly colourful face-off, with a pair of local head honchos stepping into the ring.

The Battle of the CEOs sees owner of Morwell and Traralgon gym, Area 365, Cris Harmer take on the owner of Traralgon business, Surface Co, Gary Grimes – both training out of The 44 Gym.

Baldacchino says that this event “will be bigger and better.”

Last year’s Fight Night was held on the old basketball courts at GRISS (formerly Traralgon Basketball Stadium), however it has now been moved to the new show courts developed and opened in 2020.

As such, the capacity for the latest event will be lifted significantly, from being capped at 1200 to now close to 2000 available spectators.

Fights begin from 5pm this Saturday (October 25) through to around 10.30pm.

For tickets, visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/turbine-5-tickets-1391144152609