New Zealand Mourns the Loss of 59 Year Old Boxing Coach

A sudden demise is very hard to accept. It brings a great amount of agony to the people who know the person. Recently one of the crucial names in New Zealand boxing passed away.

The New Zealand boxing community is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of one of its most esteemed coaches, Chris Martin.

New Zeland loses an eminent boxing personality

At the age of 59, Chris Martin passed away unexpectedly, succumbing to a heart attack on Monday. Martin’s contributions to the world of boxing are difficult to overstate. He played a pivotal role in the boxing comeback of David Tua. In 2011, Martin guided him through memorable showdowns against Demetrice King and Monte Barrett. More recently, he was an indispensable part of the team supporting former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.

But Martin’s impact extended beyond the big names. He was the guiding force behind the success of several prominent New Zealand boxers. This included Soulan Pownceby, Daniella Smith, Steven Heremaia, Marcus Haywood, and Nik Charamlampous. The heartfelt words of Charamlampous on Facebook stand as a testament to the deep bonds he formed with those he mentored.

Notably, Martin’s expertise was sought after on the international stage. Foreign fighters often seek his wisdom when competing in New Zealand. His readiness to step into their corners showcased his unwavering commitment to the sport.

His focus and determination set him a class apart

Most recently, Martin had been in Melbourne, offering his valuable insights during Joseph Parker’s match against Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu. David Higgins, Parker’s manager, warmly remembered Martin’s dedication and his seamless integration into the team, making his sudden passing all the more shocking.

Prominent figures in New Zealand’s boxing world, such as boxing promoter Mark Keddell and former promoter Mick Watson, paid their respects to Martin’s enduring legacy. Keddell fondly recalled their early morning conversations and highlighted Martin’s role in nurturing budding talents and corporate fighters. Watson echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Martin as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s boxing history.

Steven McIvor, a Sky broadcaster who had the privilege of being coached by Martin for two of his Fight for Life corporate bouts, shared his sorrow on Facebook. He remembered Martin as a quiet but deeply passionate figure within the sport. His words echoed the collective grief felt by the New Zealand boxing community.
Isaac Peach, another boxing trainer who shared a close friendship with Martin spanning two decades, emphasized the profound impact of his loss on the sport. He described Martin as a true legend, known for his unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship.

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In conclusion, the passing of Chris Martin has left an irreplaceable void in New Zealand’s boxing community. His unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and willingness to cherish a vital part of the sport’s history. This legacy extends not only throughout New Zealand but also across the global boxing fraternity.

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