Lankan leads Kiwis to free fighting

By Harry Jayachandra

They say ‘truth is stranger than fiction’. Such is the case in New Zealand where a Sri Lankan has the popular sport of mixed martial arts on fire with his online publication called RogueMag. This magazine has become the benchmark for top competitors as well as spectators.

The man behind this publication is Ravindu Atukorale better known as ‘Boa’ who played rugby for Royal and later was a trainer for CH and FC. Atukorale is now domiciled in New Zealand with his wife and has worked with many ruggerites.

Speaking to The Sunday Times from New Zealand Atukorale said: “ROGUEMAG.COM is my brainchild, and is the main port of call for all Kick Boxers, Mixed Martial Arts fighters professional and amateur in New Zealand and fighting out of New Zealand.”

He added: “It’s funny how a Sri Lankan can influence such a popular sport in New Zealand, I take pride in that, and ROGUEMAG.COM is the number one martial arts and professional fighting review and resource for New Zealand, who produce some of the best fighters in the world such as Ray “Sugar-Foot” Sefo and Mark Hunt. I have lot to do with promoting events in Kick Boxing and No Holds Barred Mixed Martial Arts under sanctioned professional rules in New Zealand, and overseas shows when Kiwi fighters fly over there. The key to ROGUE’ success is my neutrality and impartial views- that’s so critical. I also manage and negotiate contracts for some of NZ top fighting gyms and fighters. It’s always something I loved, and is now my biggest passion. Who knows maybe someday I could promote a professional fight night in Colombo?

Rugby World Cup
Coming on to the terrain that Sri Lankans are more concerned with -- rugby and the on going World Cup competition Atukorale said: “As far as the rugby world cup, The All Blacks all the way- their player management and using the full squad depth coupled with very specific game plans for different opponents will simply be too much. The Springboks are pretty good, but lack the consistency when the pressure is on for 80 minutes. There have been some who have said they are chokers. My answer is yes they will choke the life out of anyone who stands between them and the cup. Player rotation policy will ensure everyone gets game time, and they will be ever ready. Past can only glorify the success which is to be had in the future. Even at their worst they hammered Scotland by 40 points to nil. Need I say more!”

Speaking about the other teams and potential quarter final match ups, Atukorale said: Australia against England - Larkham or no Larkham, they have a squad packed with game breakers. For me the key is George Gregan, he can work well with pretty much everyone in that back line. Also watch out for the new kids, and the ones who have extreme pace. The Super 14, fast break, long and hard passing will test the rush England defense, and I won’t be surprised if the scores blows out to something like 42-15 for the Wallabies. England are on shaky ground, and unless they come up with something better than a monstrous rolling maul and drop kicks, its hard to be competitive for 80 minutes at this level.”

“As for Argentina, they are the most dangerous and unknown package in the comp. Due to the expansion of the game in European Union and Heineken cup almost their entire squad, now play pro rugby. Therefore the well drilled forward pack, starve and suffocate the best in the business. Excellent “spoilers” defense showed against France sent a message of warning. They have a great man in scrum half Pichot, who is a truly remarkable tactician with huge experience.”