Striking fame

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
YARRA Valley fighters have been enjoying 15 minutes of fame on the small screen.
That’s 15 minutes of a half-hour program, every week for the past two months.
The fighters have been featured as part of a Channel 31 program called Fight Night, a documentary-style show following fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA), Muay Thai, kickboxing and boxing.
Lilydale trainer and boxing champion Nick Lundh has been hosting the show, which featured Yarra Junction fighter Bentley Shefford, Wesburn fighter Dave Rayner and Lilydale fighter Rachael Phillips among others at the Lilydale gym.
“It’s a continual documentary showcasing what it’s really like to prepare and fight in the ring,” he said.
“It covers the grass roots level with fighters starting out right up to the professionals.
“No show has ever been done like it before.”
Lundh said it was important the low level fighters were getting encouragement.
“It really is the making of future champions,” he said.
“I remember my struggles and so it’s good this can help them.”
Channel 31’s Fight Night is finished for the year, with re-runs showing on Saturday nights, but will be back fresh to follow the careers of future fighters next year.
The final Fight Night for 2011 with fights in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA will be held on Sunday 11 December at the Lilydale Community Youth Club in Market Street.
Doors open from 9am, fights start from 10am and go through to about 4pm, with general admission tickets available at the door for $10.