Ngāpuhi's Sam "The Terror" Rapira will face his toughest opponent yet in his boxing career, Ngāi Tahu's Rob "The Butcher" Berridge tomorrow night in New Plymouth.
Rapira says, “It's absolutely a career defining fight, this is a tough fight, this is a fight a lot of people avoid, I've always known this fight is looming and it's here now and I'm happy to say I've done everything I possibly could've.”
The father of three says he's the fittest he's ever been after strict preparation to face light-heavyweight pro Rob Berridge who has 27 wins to his name.
“Beating Robbie Berridge would open up a lot of doors for other fights obviously, it would boost my ranking, I should be number 1 in New Zealand I'll definitely be top 100 in the world I'm just outside the top 100 now.”
Turning pro in 2013, Rapira, now 32 years old, has racked up 15 wins and two losses.
“I will keep going until I know that I'm past my best and then that will be me I know there is more left in the tank for me I know I've got more to prove and I'll keep going till that day.”
The clash is the main event, set for eight, three-minute rounds tomorrow night at TSB Stadium New Plymouth.