AMATEUR boxing returns to the Taree PCYC on Saturday February 28 when the Manning River Rumble will attract fighters from throughout NSW.
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This will be the first rumble held at the PCYC since 2012 following a review of amateur boxing in the State by the controlling body.
Until then the event drew full houses to the PCYC.
Taree PCYC manager Tammy Homewood said up to 40 amateur boxers would be involved, including five from Taree PCYC coached by Peter Lewis. The five Taree boxers will all be having their first fights.
Main event will be a middleweight contest between female boxers Jess Messina from Port Macquarie and North Sydney's Hayley O'Keefe.
Messina has just been crowned the NSW open champion after a split decision win over Kaye Scott from Hornsby. This was the first time Messina had beaten Scott in four bouts.
Messina is now hoping to gain a place in the Australian team to contest the Oceania Games later this year.
"I honestly believe if I'm fighting my best that no-one can beat me,'' she told the Port Macquarie News earlier this week.
However, O'Keefe will prove to be a tough opponent. Messina has never beaten her.
Events will start from around 6.30 on February 28.
Proceeds for the night will go towards maintaining the road into the PCYC as well as the club's boxing program.
Tammy confirmed the rumble will again be conducted annually.
"We're looking forward to a big night,'' she said.
