Tokyo bronze medallist and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist David Nyika headlines an eight strong New Zealand boxing team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The full team is:
- David Nyika – Men’s U92kg
- Erin Walsh – Women’s U57kg
- Wendell Stanley – Men’s U71kg
- Onyx Lye – Men’s U80kg
- Troy Garton – Women’s U60kg
- Ariane Nicholson – Women’s U70kg
- Uila Mau'u – Men’s 92+kg
- Alex Mukuka – Men’s U57kg
*Emile Richardson has been selected as a reserve in the Men’s U75kg division.
Tokyo flagbearer David Nyika (Hamilton) will look to make history in Birmingham, as the first ever boxer to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals.
“It’s a real honour to be selected for another Commonwealth Games,” said Nyika.
“The Commonwealth Games are where I first made my mark, fighting as an 18-year-old in Glasgow. I always enjoy them, it’s got a really nice feel and there’s always some quality competition as well.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into that New Zealand Team environment and I’ll be doing my best to create history over in Birmingham.”
Nyika's Olympic bronze medal was New Zealand's first Olympic boxing medal in 29-years. He will turn 27 years old during the Commonwealth Games.
Troy Garton (Auckland) is the only other team member with previous Games experience, having won bronze at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
It was a remarkable campaign for the 34-year-old who fought on a torn ACL.
“I tore it in my last training session before flying out to the Gold Coast,” said Garton.
“The medical team looked after me really well and I somehow managed to fight my way to bronze. I then went into surgery two weeks post Games and have come back better than ever.”
Garton says she’s looking forward to being more mobile in her second Commonwealth Games.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone involved and everyone who’s believed in me, I’m extremely grateful. I can’t wait to get there and am hoping I’ll even be able to walk in Opening Ceremony this time.”
The other six athletes will all be making their Commonwealth Games debuts and have been selected following successful international seasons.
Boxing New Zealand’s Mark Keddell says the organisation is excited about the potential of the athletes.
“This is a really strong team and we know we’re capable of some great results in Birmingham,” said Keddell.
“Most of the team is off to Ireland for a training camp early next month and then we’re into it. I’d like to wish the athletes all the best for what I’m sure will be a fantastic campaign.”
NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol extended her congratulations to the athletes.
“Well done to all eight of the athletes named today,” said Nicol.
“We have a proud boxing history at the Commonwealth Games and we look forward to this team adding to that legacy next month in Birmingham.”
The New Zealand boxing team at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games won one gold and four bronze medals.
The boxing competition at Birmingham 2022 will begin on July 29th and finish on August 7th, with bouts to be held in the National Exhibition Centre.
The naming takes the total number of athletes currently selected to the New Zealand Team for Birmingham 2022 to 165.
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