Michael started training and fighting when he turned 16. Beginning like any other kid, initially he was really 'just mucking around', starting with a very small gym that was casually training twice a week.
Despite a rough start to his competition career, Michael was still obsessed with fighting. Losing a decision to a much more experienced opponent, he went on to keep fighting older guys, having no idea about junior divisions.
Slowly but surely he was hooked, with the ultimate goal of achieving a New Zealand title. Michael continued fighting having 2 fights a year max, but just after he finished high school he was set on moving to ether Hamilton or Auckland to pursue his goal of becoming a champion.
With a lot of luck, Michael found his way into the House of Pain gym. Feeling he had a lot to prove, he recalls 'taking a lot of beatings' from the pro's like Alexi, Carlos & Quade, but in a weird way it was a blessing to him - since throughout his teenage years, he was a mega fan of all 3 of those guys, they were the best in the country.
Michael racked up alot of hard-fought lessons and things to over come, before acheiving his first initial goal and more. His career highlights now include:
