Revills Boxing Gym in Pakuranga continued a proud tradition of producing champions after their young fighters cleaned up at the recent Northern Golden Gloves Championships in Tauranga.
The club achieved seven wins and three runner-up medals across 10 bouts.
Twenty-two-year-old Kheva Potatau, known by the moniker “the Maori Ninja”, is the current 67kg national champ, and the star of the stable after winning gold in the middleweight division.
He was also awarded prizes for best scientific elite and most overall scientific boxer.
Micah Potatau won gold in the 70kg Elite Female division, while 16-fight veteran Roman Makoare also won gold in the Junior male 75kg class and Byron Peters grabbed silver in the 70kg.
45 fighters ranging from teenagers to veterans train out of Revills Boxing which has a reputation for producing elite athletes.
Another of the gym’s products, Zimbabwe-born New Zealand representative Wendell Stanley, fought in the under 71kg category at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and was on hand when the Times visited.
After competing in a qualifying meet in Bangkok earlier this month, Stanley sadly missed out on Olympic selection for this year’s Paris Games after a contentious awarding of points to his opponent.
“He got a crook decision,” said Revill.
“I fought a guy from the Czech Republic, and everyone thought I won the fight, “said Stanley.
“I almost made it.”
Stanley said he will now set his sights on making a living from boxing: “I’ve been to the Commonwealth Games, and now I’m looking at being a professional”.
With the talent on show at Revills Boxing Gym, it is not unfathomable that more fighters will reach the pinnacle of the sport.
