“Going to Boxing made me feel welcome and proud”
Ben, 14
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Started June 2020-2024
How did being part of the gym impact you—mentally, physically, or emotionally?
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Being a part of the gym impacted me mentally by giving me the right mindset to keep going and never give up, physically it impacted me by making me fitter than I ever thought I would or could be, and emotionally making me stronger.
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What did you learn through boxing that helped you in everyday life?
In boxing I have learned to keep going no matter what and always stay positive. With boxing I have also learned self-defence from the gym and not to use it for anything other than protecting myself. Boxing has also taught me key values like responsibility, courage and respect.
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What do you think was the biggest positive change or benefit you gained from training with your Coach?
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Confidence and courage are some of the biggest things I’ve learned from my Coach.
Was there a particular Life Value that stuck with you (you can use the current life values from the passport, or one of the new values listed at the bottom of this page)?
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Respect has always been one of my highest values.
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What was your 2 highest achievements in Boxing or achievement during your time in the Gym/Academy?
Having the opportunity to go to nationals, and participating in that event. Another achievement that stood out to me is beating my opponent that I have lost against twice, he was the second best boxer in New Zealand.
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Where are you now, and how did boxing, your Coach or your Academy play a role in getting there?
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I am now at highschool and playing other contact sports. My Coach and the academy have helped me get here through teaching me how to stay positive and keep going.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining, or to a sponsor considering supporting the gym?
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Would highly recommend joining or sponsoring, Boxing and my coach have both turned my life around keeping me fit and always having a welcoming place to go to.
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What was your favourite part of training at the gym.
My favourite part would have to be RUNNING the 1 mile race, 1km race and Beep test. Also loved sparring at our gym or against other gyms. Those two have always been my top two​
Coach Comments:
I first met Ben and his family through my sister—they were all friends, and I had the chance to spend some time with them on a holiday. One evening, after a long day of deep-sea fishing, everyone went inside to rest—everyone except Ben, his older brother Alex, and myself. We decided to burn off the last of our energy with a tackle game: score points by getting past the other two players. Now, Alex is a big, strong rugby player, while Ben was smaller, younger, and clearly at a physical disadvantage. But what happened next told me everything I needed to know about Ben.
When Alex turned from me and made a run at Ben—thinking he was the easier option—Ben met him head-on with a fearless tackle that sent both of them flying. In that moment, I saw raw, untapped potential—heart, courage, and sheer determination. I thought to myself, “If I can teach this young man how to box, he’d be unstoppable.” And I wasn’t wrong.
Within just a year of competitive training and five fights under his belt, Ben asked to face the second-best boxer in New Zealand in his weight class for the third time—after a razor-thin split decision loss in their previous match. This time, in his opponent’s hometown and in front of a packed crowd, Ben rose to the occasion and secured a spectacular win.
Ben’s courage in the ring is matched only by his impact outside of it. Out of over a hundred members in our academy, when we asked the junior class who inspired them the most, 90% named Ben. At just 12 years old, he was already one of the top three runners in our gym—beating even our seniors and adult athletes in the beep test, mile, 1km, and 5km runs. And when I asked him if he wanted to challenge the top contender again, his answer was simple and powerful: “I’ll box anyone, Coach.” He said it without pride or ego—just quiet confidence and unshakable belief.