I always look forward to catching up with Eugene because I always learn something.
Eugene started with kickboxing as a way to get fit for rugby when he played for the Massey Rugby Club, where his family has a long association. He then decided to focus on kickboxing and mixed martial arts and had a successful career in the New Zealand local scene before starting up the City Kickboxing gym with a friend and turning to coach.
City Kickboxing has grown on the worldwide stage and was crowned Best Gym by MMA Junkie in 2019 and 2020.
Eugene believes in his fighters always staying ready and taking the opportunity that may pop up - because fighters only get paid when they fight!
Some fighters wait years for opportunities to fight in big organizations like the UFC and he shares how some of his fighters have taken the long hard road to get the chance to fight on the big international stage.
We discuss Israel Adesanya's upcoming fight with Robert Whittaker and talk about how he deals with training multiple fighters to be ready to fight on the same night.
He shares his thoughts on the improving talent coming through his gym and is excited about the next wave of fighters.
Eugene lets us in on the other side of the business and the necessary reason why he started up his management company, Attain Peace Sports Management, to ensure his fighters have something after they have finished in the ring.
Listen in to hear some more insights from the man that's put the NZ MMA scene on the map globally and how he plans to keep it going.
Eugene started with kickboxing as a way to get fit for rugby when he played for the Massey Rugby Club, where his family has a long association. He then decided to focus on kickboxing and mixed martial arts and had a successful career in the New Zealand local scene before starting up the City Kickboxing gym with a friend and turning to coach.
City Kickboxing has grown on the worldwide stage and was crowned Best Gym by MMA Junkie in 2019 and 2020.
Eugene believes in his fighters always staying ready and taking the opportunity that may pop up - because fighters only get paid when they fight!
Some fighters wait years for opportunities to fight in big organizations like the UFC and he shares how some of his fighters have taken the long hard road to get the chance to fight on the big international stage.
We discuss Israel Adesanya's upcoming fight with Robert Whittaker and talk about how he deals with training multiple fighters to be ready to fight on the same night.
He shares his thoughts on the improving talent coming through his gym and is excited about the next wave of fighters.
Eugene lets us in on the other side of the business and the necessary reason why he started up his management company, Attain Peace Sports Management, to ensure his fighters have something after they have finished in the ring.
Listen in to hear some more insights from the man that's put the NZ MMA scene on the map globally and how he plans to keep it going.
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