Inside NSW ‘Hood Contender’, Australia’s real fight club

An Aussie boxing legend has slammed an underground fight club operating in NSW, which claims it is putting on bouts for the benefit of “boys that struggle” with mental health.

Under ground fight-clubs are taking place allegedly on private properties around Sydney with the fights being uploaded to YouTube. Picture: YouTube/thehoodcontender

Aussie boxing legend Jeff Fenech has thrown a right hook at an underground fight club operating in NSW, which claims it is putting on the brutal and unsanctioned bouts for the benefit of “boys that struggle” with mental health.

The backyard fighting events are being streamed on YouTube and Instagram, with the violent videos viewed millions of times.

Known as “Hood Contender” and billed as part of an Australian Street Fighter Series, the event claims to have originated in Mt Druitt for men “seeking a positive outlet to release their demons with honour and respect”.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the backyard fight series has continued, with footage of a new event emerging, believed to have been held on the Central Coast.

It follows a previous event held at an undisclosed location on June 7.

The unsanctioned bouts have sparked alarm from police, the state combat sport regulator and Fenech, who warned the fighters that they were risking lifelong consequences by taking part.

“Sure, your friends will call you tough because you do this underground street ­fighting, but see if they’re there in 30 years when you need someone to wipe your arse,” Fenech said.

“It’s sad. These guys have one thing, they got ego and they want to show how tough you are. Show people how tough you are by taking care of your family.”

Champion Australian boxer, Jeff Fenech, does not support the underground event. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The Telegraph understands the events involve 16 fighters cramming into a minibus, handing over their phones, and being driven to a secret ­location somewhere in NSW for the competition.

The fights are raw and fast, with competitors wearing no protection other than thin mixed martial arts (MMA) gloves as they step into a makeshift ring, surrounded by hay bales and a rowdy crowd.

In one video, a fighter is knocked down twice in his first bout. However, just five fights later, he’s back in the ring – only to be knocked out cold.

The Hood Contender ­tournament appears to follow simple rules: two one-minute rounds per fight, a 16-man elimination bracket and $5000 in prizemoney with an extra $1000 for a knockout, or “fight of the night”. Organisers state that no gang members, no weapons and no officially registered fighters are allowed to take part.

Those behind the event insist it’s not about violence or entertainment, but is designed to help men struggling with their mental health.

Under ground fight-clubs are taking place allegedly on private properties around Sydney with the fights being uploaded to YouTube. Picture: YouTube/thehoodcontender

Under ground fight-clubs are taking place allegedly on private properties around Sydney with the fights being uploaded to YouTube. Picture: YouTube/thehoodcontender

“Our main objective is for men’s mental health,” one organiser told the Telegraph.

“We’re doing it for the boys that struggle and for the ones who aren’t here … We want boys to come here, earn respect and honour the right way, and be mates.”

Across Instagram and YouTube the fight footage has garnered over 14 million views, with fans cheering the fighters on in the comments.

, Under ground fight-clubs are taking place allegedly on private properties around Sydney with the fights being uploaded to YouTube. Picture: YouTube/thehoodcontender

“This is how real men bop. 1 on 1, no money, no church, no race, no weapons, no pile on, no attacking a man down, no cowards, much love & respect,” one commenter wrote.

Another wrote: “Well done to all the fighters. Love the rawness of it. Feels like an honest man on man contest.”

But NSW Police are also paying attention, warning that “violent or anti-social behaviour” will not be tolerated.

“Anyone who organises or participates in these events can expect appropriate action by police,” a spokesman said. “All evidence will be used at the disposal of police to help identify those involved, including social media.”

Fines of up to $40,000, or a prison sentence of 12 months – or both – can be issued for people who host an unauthorised fighting event without a ­proper permit.

Hood Contender fighters, however, claim the events give young men a chance to “get up off the couch”. One fighter, aged 19, said he was “keen to munch some heads”, while another, aged 27, said he took part to “put on a show for the boys and test himself”.

Caleb Valeri.

Caleb Valeri.

One of the organisers is rapper “Hoodrich Hefner”, whose real name is Caleb Valeri, and who police allege has links to the Rebels bikie gang.

State government regulator, the Combat Sports Authority of NSW, told the Telegraph yesterday a permit application had not been received to hold the Hood Contender events.

“A person who arranges, holds or participates in a ­combat sport contest contrary to the Combat Sports Act 2013 may commit a criminal offence and serious penalties, including imprisonment,” a spokesman said.

“The authority is conducting inquiries into these events.” Valeri and the organisers of Hood Contender were approached for comment.

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Originally published as Inside NSW ‘Hood Contender’, Australia’s real fight club