Camacho, Tarkong strong in Trench Warz

(First of three parts)

Frank Camacho and Jason Tarkong shined on center stage as the two powered their way to separate victories in the main events of Trench Warz Fight Night at a jam-packed Trench Tech-Purebred Saipan Gym in Garapan Saturday night.

Both fights lived up to the hype as the over 250 spectators were taken off their seats and did their best not to blink in hopes of not missing any of the intense action.

The main event featured the 16-year-old Camacho taking on Chuukese street fighter Bernie Neth, with the two pounding away on each other before Camacho locked Neth for the win.

Neth came out strong and worked Camacho against the fence and to the ground before attempting to choke out his younger opponent.

Camacho, however, remained calm and showcased just how much preparation he’s done in anticipating the fight as he turned the tables.

Camacho, who is coming off an upset victory in a recent fight in Guam, electrified the gym by executing a double-leg takedown body slam.

Seeing the golden opportunity, Camacho unleashed a series of left and right punches before the referee stepped in an called off the bout.

For his part, Tarkong bounced back from a loss in a recent no-holds barred fight by beating young gun Kelvin Fitial right before the Camacho-Neth fight.

Fitial, however, can keep his head up as he gave Tarkong a run for his money while the two were standing. With Fitial having the longer reach because of his height advantage, the street fighter landed a couple of strong punches and forced Tarkong to be on the defense in the early goings.

Tarkong’s experience and gameplan, however, proved to be the difference as the veteran negated Fitial’s height advantage by taking the Tower of Power down to the mat with a double-leg takedown.

Tarkong had advantage as soon as they went to the mat and maneuvered his way to a better position before getting behind Fitial and executing a rear-naked choke to perfection.

With Tarkong holding a strong grip and refusing to let go, Fitial had to tap out.

Trench Warz Fight Night featured a total of 16 bouts, beginning with two boxing matches, one kickboxing bout, three submission fights, and 10 no- holds barred battles.

“It was such an awesome successful event, and I was very impressed with turnout, but not surprised,” said coordinator Cuki Alvarez. “I knew that people would come and support and check it out. People from Saipan are longing for this kind of thing.”