“Boxing taught me that I can ACHIEVE things, I never thought possible”
Fletcher (aka “The African Stallion) - 21
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Started 2018-2025
How did being part of the gym impact you—mentally, physically, or emotionally?
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Physically it made me healthier with all the training, and taught me how to persevere and not quit halfway through. Mentally it gave me a lot of confidence and more positive perspective to life. Emotionally made me happy to be part of a group that didn’t put me down, but inspired me to be better.
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What did you learn through boxing that helped you in everyday life?
Picking my battles and not getting wound up by wanting to fight just because someone is saying mean or offensive thing to me. Having SELF CONTROL.
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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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Learning how to have heart and how to be Competitive by not giving up on myself, my team or 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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Mindset: I had a very negative mindset before Boxing. Over the years it changed and now I have a mindset eager to succeed not just in sport, but in life!​
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Respect: Learning how to have Respect for my fellow team mates, not allowing my ego to get the best of me but learning to be humble but still remain confident.
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What was your 2 highest achievements in Boxing or achievement during your time in the Gym/Academy?
Achieving the “Hardest Trainer Award” of the entire gym in 2023 at our yearly Prize Giving. We had over 100 students that year training at our Academy.
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Winning the “New Zealand Police Commissioners Coin” for consistency, commitment and dedication to training and encouraging others to do the same-for being an important part of gym life-for being Polite Kind Caring Helpful and displaying exemplary manners-for listening and learning-for smiling and being Positive-for being a Brother in the gym-for being the best you could be-for brightening the lives of everyone around you-FOR BEING YOU!!
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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 still training at the same Boxing Academy and working towards becoming a personal trainer in the future. Boxing inspired me to go into the fitness industry because when I grew up I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a profession one day. But Boxing and my Coach made me really happy so I decided to pursue my passion in becoming a fitness trainer as that bring me a lot of joy and fulfilment.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining, or to a sponsor considering supporting the gym?
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I would recommend people joining Boxing for the right reasons, don’t use it as a tool to hurt people. Because it never works out good for anyone in the end.
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What was your favourite part of training at the gym.
My favourite thing about the gym is gaining the confidence I have in myself today and in training. As well as the years of technical Boxing experience I gained in my time spent there with my teammates and Coaches.​
Coach Comments:
When I think of Fletcher, the first image that comes to mind is his joyful smile and the unwavering positivity he brought into the gym each day. What made Fletcher truly stand out wasn’t natural athleticism or flawless coordination—he didn’t start with those gifts. But what he did have was a deep hunger to grow, and a determination that turned limitations into strengths. Through relentless hard work and perseverance, he transformed himself into a skilled athlete, earning the respect of everyone with his sharp coordination, incredible skipping ability, and unshakable drive.
What I admire most about Fletcher, however, is not just his progress as a boxer—it’s his loyalty, his humility, and his genuine care for those around him. His character reflects the core Life Values our Academy stands for. Fletcher is not only a product of the program, but a shining example of how belief, consistency, and heart can shape a young man into an inspiration for others.