Hunter Edwards all smiles as his hand is raised after a unanimous decision win at Unbroken 4. Photo / CSN Watch
Great Barrier’s own Hunter Edwards delivered on his promise of fireworks in the ring on Saturday night, scoring a unanimous decision win at Unbroken 4: Night of the Māori Warriors.
The 18-year-old kickboxer, fighting out of Balmoral Lee Gar Gym in Auckland, lit up Barfoot & Thompson Stadium with his speed and intensity against SMAC Gym’s Marwin Dbaliz. As the announcer called his name, Edwards raised his hand high with a broad smile, marking only his second career fight.
Edwards’ journey from Great Barrier to the K-1 circuit has been defined by long training hours balanced with an apprenticeship. With his father a black belt in karate, fighting has always been close to home, but Edwards is carving his own path in the sport with his trademark pace and intensity.
Saturday’s card, Unbroken 4: Night of the Māori Warriors, blended te ao Māori, combat sport, and community pride. Alongside Edwards’ victory, the night featured boxing, kickboxing, and amateur title bouts, headlined by Titus Proctor versus Alex Richings for the ISKA New Zealand Super Middleweight Title.
For Edwards, the win is another step toward making his mark in the fight world. “Hard day, long day — I love this stuff. It makes you tougher mentally,” he said before the bout.
