Whitsundays' War on the Shore packs a punch in Airlie Beach

The crowd was on the edge of their seats the entire night on Saturday at this year’s War on the Shore fight night.

Whitsunday Boxing Club president and fight night promoter Paul Barrett described the event as ‘spectacular’ with each of the 10 fights well received and the crowd glued to the centre ring.

"All fights were really well matched and it kept the crowd on their toes because no one was really sure who was going to win," Mr Barrett said.

"That’s what you want, and it had all aspects like big Todd Housell who threw and copped big punches or Alice Fraser who boxed so techniquely it was textbook."

"Whatever you wanted it was there."

With local fighters so well matched to their opponents who travelled to the Whitsundays for the event, each round was hard fought and each win was well deserved.

"They all trained so hard and it showed. We had wins, losses and draws but everyone was at the maximum of their ability," Mr Barrett said.

Winners on the night were Evan Douglas, Todd Hounsell, Anton Zaffir and Shaun Taylor, while Alice Fraser and Cameron Mead drew their fights. Mr Barrett praised local fighter Adam Mitton who fought hard despite suffering broken ribs, as well as Jake Algie and Dan Zealand.

"That’s credit and shows his overall toughness," he said.

Mr Barrett said overall he appreciates the crowd’s participation and looks forward to the next fight night in September.

"There will be a couple of surprises for the one in September and they keep getting better. It won’t be short of a thrill."

He also said people who pre-purchase tickets to the next fight night will receive express entry through the doors and the standard of fighting will be
just as high.

Whitsundays Fight Night III

If you missed out on Fight Night III – a huge event in Airlie Beach that attracted over 700 people last weekend – Fight Night IV is just around the corner.

 Whitsunday Boxing Club Present Paul Barnett said the next hugely popular event would be held in late October, with some fantastic additions to the arena.

 “First we are thinking about having a cage for the mixed martial arts fights. The ropes on the side of the ring are just too dangerous and they really get in the way of the martial artists,” Mr Barnett said.

 The PCYC was full to the brim last Saturday night as the crowds took advantage of the big screens and compelling comparing which included over five hours of hard core entertainment.

 Two female fighters Tanya Hoey and Kirsten Bell boxed their way through three rounds and into the history books as the first female boxing match ever to take place in the Whitsundays.

 Mr Barnett was so pleased with the boxing prowess and the crowd’s behaviour, especially the support shown for the big night considering money is tight in these times.