Tauranga boxer Rini Porter has been confirmed to fight on the John Parker undercard on September 7 at Hamilton's GLOBOX Arena, formerly known as Claudelands Arena.

Rini Porter is the next confirmed fight to be on the Arena Boxing fight card put together by Nigel Elliott and Craig Edwards with their new promotion, Ironfist Promotions.

Rini Porter will fight Jesse Maio, a former Peach Boxing fighter who now fights in multiple combat sports codes.

Rini fights out of TGA Box Health & Fitness with legendary coach Chris Walker.

Chris has coached many great Tauranga boxers, including Gunnar Jackson, the Taylor brothers Anthony and Jonathan, and Ariane Nicholson.

Like all of Chris's great talents, Rini started his career as an amateur boxer.

Rini made his pro boxing debut in August 2023 against Ioane Auvaa, winning by unanimous decision.

"He put on an impressive performance and went on to defeat the tough journeyman Joshua Tai last April," says an event organiser.

"In his last fight, which was also his first international fight, Rini suffered the first loss of his pro career, after taking on indian boxer Arshdeep Singh Batth. This was considered a big upset. Rini is now back to "square one" as he begins to climb the ranks again."

Rini's next opponent, Jesse Maio ,now trains at Kings Academy and fights in Professional boxing, Kickboxing, and MMA. Jesse started his career as a corporate boxer, fighting in the amateur division before eventually making his way to professional boxing. 

"Jesse made his professional boxing debut in October 2020, when he was on a three-win streak. His career took a turn when he suffered his first loss against Hamilton native David Nyika," says an event organiser.

"Jesse left Peach boxing in 2023 to start fighting in other combat sports, and was was last in the professional boxing ring when he beat Filipino Amor Tino."

This fight between Rini and Jesse is shaping up to be Hamilton's biggest boxing event since nine years ago in December when Fight for Life with Joseph Parker defended the WBO Oriental Heavyweight title against Daniel Martz.

This time, younger brother John Parker is fighting for the WBA Oceania Heavyweight title against Fijian Alivereti Kauyaca.

"A major international announcement about the night's main event will be announced next week," says an organiser.

John Parker vs Alivereti Kauyaca and Rini Porter vs Jesse Maio will take place on September 7 at GLOBOX Arena. Tickets will be on sale at Ticketek, and corporate tables will be available on the Ironfist Promotions website. The event will be live on CSN.watch.