Only three years ago Pumipi "Ceazer" Ngaronoa gave up his Black Power patch to chase his fighting dreams. The former gang member is now a professional kickboxer and current New Zealand number one holding the WMC lightweight New Zealand title.
Ngaronoa has been actively preparing to fight in the biggest stand up show in the country, under K1 rules which requires no elbows.
Ngaronoa says, “It sort of takes away one of my weapons, but I've got seven others, so we'll just see how it goes on the night. I'm looking to beat him up badly.”
Ngaronoa's opponent, Sone "Arch Angel" Vannathy is a seasoned fighter of 70 bouts and world class Muay Thai champion.
However last year in New Plymouth, Vannathy put his NZ WMC title on the line and lost the bout to Ngaronoa.
"I've always been confident in my fighting. I believe I can beat anyone," says Ngaronoa.
Almost three years ago, the 27-year-old was on the wrong side of the law as a patched member of the Black Power.
According to Ngaronoa, “I got into a bit of trouble and didn't want to be in the trouble anymore and I just removed it from my life and just carried on with Muay Thai.”
With gang life now behind him he hasn't looked back as he focuses his time and energy on his craft, and the fight ahead this Saturday night.