The Toughman Hawaii Kickboxing junior division semifinals took place Saturday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
Hundreds of spectators attended the event, during which youth kickboxers from around the state — as well as from the mainland — clashed to qualify for the upcoming championship.
With 21 fights on the card, the event proved to be full of action and intensity from start to finish.
“These kids did an unbelievable job performing at a level even they didn’t know they were capable of,” said promoter Walter Carvalho.
One of the most anticipated fights on the card was the title rematch between Mila Gambol and Navea Ha‘o. The pair fought twice, with Ha‘o pulling off the win and leaving with her first ever Toughman Hawaii Junior Division Title.
In the main event of the evening — following a long layoff due to an injury — Savon Barnard overcame the undefeated Uriah Elaban.
The event — which was emceed by KWXX’s G. Cruz — also featured appearances by Senator Loraine Inoye, State Representative Mark Nakashima and former State Representative Jerry Chang.
The National Anthem and Hawaii Pono’e were sung by Diamond Kawaauhau.
The Toughman Hawaii Finals will return to Civic on August 26th.
Outstanding Individual Performance awards were presented to Lionidas Mackienzy, Bethany Gebin, Citali Solorzano, Jhase Gines, Chance Loeng, Zarek Ahsing, Nalu Moniz, Kahawai Hernandez. Gemar Alvarado, Rysaih Abadilla and Ryden Dela Cruz.
Ha‘o vs. Mila and Barnard vs. Elaban were named Best Fights of the Night.
Event Winners
Leonidas Mackienzy (Washington)
Kahawai Hernandez (Maui)
Keiten Dela Cruz (Waianae)
Charlotte Kelly (Hilo)
Jhase Gines (Puna)
Caleb Canida (Puna)
Brody Melendez (Kauai)
Bethany Gebin (Hilo)
Skyler Flores (puna)
Chance Leong (Hilo)
Anela Lee (Puna)
Keean Flores (Puna)
Gabriel Martinez (Hilo)
Capone Sunberg (Maui)
Gemar Alvarado (Puna)
Nalu Moniz (Hilo)
Kila Hinau (Oahu)
Ryden Dela Cruz (Waianae)