become a contender

Step into a 12-week journey of challenge, discipline, and whanaungatanga - representing your whānau, backing yourself!

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Registrations open now

✳︎ Registrations open now

CONTENDER INFO

Welcome to the contender journey for Punch Up at the Pā. This page outlines what’s expected, what support you’ll receive, and what the 12-week journey looks like so you can step in informed, prepared, and confident.

  • By signing on as a contender, you agree to:


    - Commit to the full training programme
    - Show up consistently and communicate if issues arise
    - Follow coaching, safety, and event guidelines
    - Represent Punch u at the Pā with integrity and respect
    - Support your fellow contenders

    We understand life happens – communication is key. Ongoing lack of commitment or unsafe behaviour may result in removal from the programme.

  • Training will run for several weeks leading into the event.

    What’s expected:
    - Attend scheduled group trainings
    - Complete additional fitness work where possible
    - Follow coach guidance at all times
    - Prioritise safety for yourself and others

    Non-negotiables:
    - No unsanctioned sparring
    - No fighting outside of training or the event
    - No drugs or unsafe behaviour

    Your health comes first. Always.

  • Before training starts:
    - Complete all forms and waivers
    - Start light cardio (walking, running, skipping)
    - Reduce alcohol intake
    - Focus on sleep and hydration
    - Join the official group chat

    During training:
    - Attend sessions consistently
    - Share your journey and support others
    - Engage with sponsors and supporters
    - Ask for help early if you’re struggling

    Event week:
    - Final weigh-ins and checks
    - Event briefings
    - Rest, fuel, and focus

    After the event:
    - Recovery and rest
    - Thank your supporters
    - Celebrate the journey – win or lose

  • Contenders are required to seek sponsorship to help cover costs and support the wider kaupapa.

    Support may include:
    - Local businesses
    - Friends and whānau
    - Workplace sponsorship

    We’ll provide tools and guidance to help you approach sponsors in a confident and respectful way.

  • We ask everyone involved to:
    - Treat others with respect
    - Follow instructions from coaches and organisers
    - Support each other through the highs and lows
    - Uphold the kaupapa at all times

    Behaviour that puts others at risk or undermines the kaupapa will not be tolerated.

  • All contenders must complete a health and medical disclosure.

    Please tell us about:
    - Injuries or medical conditions
    - Medications
    - Previous concussions
    - Anything that may affect your training

    Your information is confidential and used only to keep you safe.

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“Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that’s in rhythm or you’re in trouble."

— Sugar Ray Robinson

contender timeline

  • 1: Contender info session

    Attend one of our in-person or online contender info sessions. This is your chance to learn what the journey involves - training expectations, time commitment, sponsorship, safety, and what it really means to step in as a contender. There’s no pressure to commit on the spot; it’s about making an informed decision.

  • 2: Pre-training Program

    Boxing training officially starts 12 weeks out from fight night. Before then, you’re encouraged to build your base fitness - cardio, strength, and mobility - so you’re ready to get the most out of fight camp. We’ll share guidance on how to prepare safely and realistically.

  • 3: week 1 - 4 fight camp

    Boxing Foundations. These weeks focus on learning core boxing skills including stance, footwork, defence, bag work, and basic combinations. Fitness ramps up gradually, and everyone progresses at their own pace in a supportive group environment.

  • 4: week 4 - 8 fight camp

    Skill development & refinement. Technique from the early weeks is built on through pad work, controlled drills, and the introduction of light sparring where appropriate. Coaches begin closely monitoring fitness, confidence, and progression across the group.

  • 5: contender match ups

    Throughout the first 4–8 weeks, coaches assess skill level, fitness, age, weight, and experience to identify safe and appropriate match-ups.
    Because safety comes first, not every contender is guaranteed a fight, but everyone remains part of the journey and kaupapa.

  • 6: WEEK 8 : Fights Confirmed

    By week 8, approximately 80% of the fight card is confirmed. This allows time for focused preparation, promotion, and ensuring all matches are well balanced and safe. Final adjustments may still be made closer to fight night if needed.

  • 7: Week 9 - 11 fight camp

    The sharp end of training.
    These weeks include increased sparring (where appropriate), fight-specific conditioning, and mental preparation. Training intensity is managed carefully to keep contenders healthy, confident, and ready.

  • 8: fight night

    The night you’ve been working towards.
    A celebration of courage, commitment, and whānau support. Whether you’re stepping into the ring or standing proudly with your team, event night marks the culmination of months of mahi and shared effort.

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Hear it straight from the people who lived it.

Last year’s contenders share what the journey meant to them - the training, the nerves, the growth, and why stepping up was bigger than just fight night.

  • No. This event is designed for beginners. Training is structured to build skills safely over time.

  • Contenders commit to regular group training sessions and personal fitness work over 12 weeks. Consistency is essential.

  • We understand life happens, but attendance is important. Ongoing absences may affect your ability to compete.

  • Matches are based on fitness, weight, skill progression, and safety - not ego. Final match-ups are confirmed closer to fight night.

  • Unfortunately there is no guarantee that you will be successfully matched for a fight. We have a limited amount of space on the fight card so we cant fit everyone. You are welcome and encouraged to keep training and stay on the fight team whether you get a fight or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Safety is a priority. Training and bouts are supervised, with medical checks and safety protocols in place.

  • Minor injuries are common in training. Serious injuries may mean stepping back from fighting, but you’ll still be supported as part of the kaupapa.

  • Yes. Sponsorship is part of the contender journey and helps support the wider kaupapa of the event.

  • Absolutely. Whānau support is encouraged - at training, online, and on fight night.

    If tamariki are coming to training please ensure they have someone to watch them as there is alot of equipment and potential trip hazards around the boxing gym.

  • Some gear is provided. Contenders will be required to supply personal items such as shoes or mouthguards.