Long-standing Kiwi kickboxing institution King in the Ring has shifted viewing platform from Sky TV to TVNZ free-to-air, starting this Saturday, March 27 on Duke.

The one-night eliminator tournament format has long been a favourite of New Zealand fight fans, with the element of randomness from the eight-man draw adding an element of excitement to an already exhilarating spectator sport.

This Saturday’s tournament will take place in the Welterweight (68kg) division, with three-time tournament veteran Kayne Conlan being perhaps the front-runner. Nipping at his heels is a hungry pack of 68kg fighters eager to stamp their names in the history books.

With the move to TVNZ, King in the Ring becomes the first kickboxing promotion to feature on free TV since K-1 in the early 2000’s. Fight sports have surged in popularity in recent years, with the UFC expanding their reach globally and featuring prominent New Zealand fighters.

Fight News spoke to King in the Ring promoter Jason Suttie  (CONTINUED...)