Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New Zealand Heavyweight Boxer Richard Tutaki Dies At Age 46
Richard Tutaki, a former New Zealand heavyweight title contender, has died aged 46.
Tutaki, who was known as the Tutaki Express Train, fought in the same era as well-known New Zealand fighters like Shane Cameron and Joseph Parker.
He died earlier this week after what was believed to be a heart attack.
Tutaki had 49 professional fights for 21 wins.
In 2012, Tutaki was named to fight Sonny Bill Williams for the New Zealand heavyweight title but he was later dropped from the card as he was facing criminal charges.
Later that year, Tutaki fought the future world champion Joseph Parker as the headline bout at Fight for Life, losing in three rounds.
The Aucklander was pegged as a promising heavyweight prospect but did not reach the heights of former champions David Tua and Parker.
Boxing New Zealand president Steve Hartley said the organisation extended its condolences to Tutaki's family.
New Zealand professional boxing judge Benjamin Watt said Tutaki's death was a huge blow to the boxing community.
"Richard Tutaki was a great man who achieved a lot in boxing and has fought some of the best heavyweight boxers to come out of the south Pacific.
"In his 22-year boxing career, he won his first professional title winning the New Zealand national and WBC Australasian Silver titles in 2023. He will be missed."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
New Zealand Kindergartens: 100-Years On - Investing In Teacher-Led, Quality Early Childhood Education Is Investing In Aotearoa’s Future
Dry July: Thousands Set To Go Alcohol Free This July As Cancer Diagnoses Continue To Rise Across Aotearoa
New Zealand College of Midwives: Celebrating Midwives Across Aotearoa This International Day Of The Midwife
PPTA Te Wehengarua: Building The Secondary Curriculum On Broken Drafts Is A Serious Risk
Whanganui Regional Museum: Whanganui Makers Bring Textile Traditions To Life During Symposium Weekend
Palmerston North Hospital Foundation: Fundraising For Publicly-Owned Surgical Robot Hits $2 Million Milestone In Less Than Three Months