Light-heavyweight boxer Bill Byrne competed in only one Commonwealth Games, but what an impression he made. Byrne, born in Gisborne in 1951, won a silver medal in the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games, beating an Olympic medallist along the way.

In domestic competition, Byrne compiled an astounding record. He won six national heavyweight titles - in 1970 and 1972 and then from 1974-77 - and four light-heavyweight crowns, from 1972-75. In three years he doubled up, fighting in two divisions in the same tournament! It didn't all come easily. In the 1973 heavyweight final, Aucklander Ali Taulapapa sent Byrne to the canvas three times in the first round, but Byrne rallied to stop his opponent in the third round.

Read more

Tweet Share

William's Games History