Fighters prepare for Tribute Boxing’s Fight Night

The rising stars of the social boxing scene are set to meet in a huge fight night on Friday with all walks of life set to be represented. See who is fighting here.

The Eight edition of the fight night may just be the biggest yet, with thousands expected to pack the Melbourne Pavillion on friday night

The bright lights of the boxing ring await for a group of Melbourne locals.

After eight weeks of training, 38 social boxers — men and women — are set to compete in Tribute Boxing’s eighth fight night event this Friday at Melbourne Pavillion.

The event will include a range of people from all weeks of life.

Matt John, co-owner of People Haircare, is one fighter set to step into the ring.

This will be the 40-year-old’s second time in the ring, eight years after his first bout.

He said a tough time during the Covid pandemic was one of the reasons for his return.

“For the past eight years I haven't stopped thinking about doing another one,” he said.

“One thing I neglected was my own personal health and mental health.”

Although Friday night is an exhibition, it’s still a fight, and John is confident of providing plenty of entertainment in his fight with Nathan Costin.

“The expectation is to put on a show,” John said.

“You want some fireworks in there. I want to end it before the final bell.

“I hope for the sake of both of us he’s trained as hard as I have.”

John will be one of the oldest competitors alongside media personality Shaun Mugavin who will make his debut.

Better known as “Mugsy on the Mic”, the 40-year-old will put down the microphone after five years as he battles it out for heavyweight supremacy.

He’ll go up against Kenan Opetaia, a fight 18 years his junior.

But he’ll also have his cousin and three-time AFL Brisbane premiership star Jonathan Brown in his corner.

“It’s real now,” Mugavin said.

“I’m a competitor, I love testing myself and love a challenge.”

Professional Liam Paro is supportive of the rise of social boxing.

When it comes to professionals, their opinion on the rise of social boxing can be divided.

But Liam Paro, who boats an undefeated record, believes it couldn’t be better for the sport.

“I honestly think it’s the best thing,” he said.

Tickets still available to purchase here.

FIGHT CARD

Rebekah Adams v Emily Sargeson

Jimmy Eaton v Felix McPhie

Pim Phanthong v Jacinta Seivers

Nick Gooch v Matt Savelberg

Davide Boffa v Jack Wills

Rylee Handley v Michelle Young

Nathan Costin v Matt John

Mary Mati v Sarah Donnellan

Samuel Faumuina v Jacob Uluilelata

Shaun Mugavin v Kenan Opetaia

Aniva Letoga v Alecks Ata’ata

Jordan Makes v Halim Syafrizal

Felix Banquesio v Jordon Campion

Ryan Fenwick v Nick Steele

Anthony Meurer v Steve Cely

Amanda Silver v Olivia Kelly

Josh Bradbury v Eddie Tuia

Jaime Escalante v Alex Lynch

Selina Katsogiannis v Shannon Kim