Big Bash Boxing returns with a bang Saturday night

Big Bash Boxing returns with a bang Saturday night

Top class professional boxing returns to Kiwi TV screens live and free-to-air on Saturday November 12, with TV3 to broadcast the IBO Oceania super middleweight title fight between Jordan “The Terror” Tai and Johnathan Taylor.

The bout is the feature clash of Big Bash Six – a promotion that also features rising Kiwi stars Junior Fa, Mose Auimatagi Jr, Nikolas Charalampous and Baby Nansen.

“We are delighted to partner with Big Bash once again to showcase New Zealand’s incredible boxing talent,” TV3’s chief content officer Andrew Szusterman said.

Big Bash V, which TV3 broadcast on July 1, rated extremely well, Szusterman said.

“An audience of 454,100 people tuned in to watch what was an incredible night of action. Kiwis clearly have a genuine thirst for this top-class sport on free-to-air television, and we are thrilled to be able to deliver that.”

With TV3 also striking a deal to broadcast Big Bash Seven and Big Bash Eight over the first half of 2017, Kiwi boxing fans have plenty to look forward to.

Big Bash Six’s main event showdown between Auckland’s Tai and Tauranga’s Taylor on Saturday night promises to be an explosive affair. Tai destroyed previously undefeated prospect Joe Blackbourn in one round in his last outing to defend his NZNBF super middleweight title.

Now the 34-year-old veteran former kickboxer is out to add the NZPBA and IBO Oceania titles to his resume. Standing in his way is knockout artist Taylor (4-3 4K.O.), a man who has finished two of his last three fights inside 60 seconds.

“This is a risky fight for Jordan Tai, make no mistake about that,” Big Bash director Andrew Higgins said. “Jordan has an edge in experience, however Taylor is a monster puncher who will be backing himself to land the big shot.”

A card packed with Kiwi boxing stars of the future sees undisputed New Zealand middleweight champion Mose Auimatagi Jr take on Napier’s Pumipi Ngaronoa.

Popular undefeated cruiserweight contender Nikolas Charalampous (13-0) will clash with “The Bluff Brawler” Tom Heads in what is sure to be another barnstorming affair.

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Fa (7-0 4K.O.) continues his pursuit of former amateur rival Joseph Parker by taking on Dannevirke kickboxer Moe Hussain, while rising star Bay Bee “Pitbull” Nansen meets Rotorua’s Wendy Talbot in what will be a high quality female bout.

“Big Bash showcases Kiwi fighters who are well on their way to becoming household names,” Higgins said. “Thanks to the support of TV3 and Mai FM, Kiwis can now watch some truly great fighters without having to fork out money for a pay-per-view fee. That is huge for the sport in this country.”

ENDS

BIG BASH SIX

• Top class boxing returns to New Zealand’s TV screens, live and free-to-air on TV3 on Saturday November 12

• Two-hour broadcast from 9.30pm

• Six pro fights featuring Jordan Tai, Junior Fa, Mose Auimatagi Jr, Nik Charalampous and Bay Bee Nansen

• Live streaming on 3Now from 8.00pm

• GA Tickets available from Eventfinda

• Corporate packages available from Big Bash boxing (contact Andrew Higgins (021 339 802)

FIGHT CARD

Main event

IBO Oceania Super Middleweight Title

Jordan “The Terror” Tai v Johnathan Taylor

Co Main Event

Middleweight

“Iron” Mose Auimatagi Jr v Pumipi “Ceaser” Nganonoa

Main Undercard

Heavyweight

Junior Fa v Moe Hussain

Plus

Nik “The Greek” Charalampous v Tom “The Bluff Brawler” Heads (cruiserweight)

Bay Bee Nansen v Wendy Talbot (super featherweight)

Josh Tai v Kendall “Canon” Cooper (Light heavyweight)

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