Aotearoa's first ever adaptive boxing event will champion disabled sporting communities

“I’ll do him the respect of being vicious because I expect the same from him” says adaptive boxer Dan Goulton ahead of the first ever adaptive boxing match held in Aotearoa.
Ryze Fitness Adaptive Studio hosts the Adaptive Boxing Experience which aims to create a pathway for tagata sa’ilimalo to pursue their aspirations in contact sports. The event will be held at the Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club.

Athletes Dan Goulton and Punit Tuiagi joined Pacific Grandstand host Willie Poching to promote their fight. Tuiagi says the historic event is inspiring to be part of.

“It’s inspiring for every discipline, no matter how they go through their lives if they get hurt or anywhere. How they rise is the most important thing and if they’re including sports like this, it’s inspiring for others who will be coming after.

“It’ll help improve their overall health and wellbeing as well.”

The event will also be supported by professional boxer IBF Women Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Lani Jack who will join the officials team on the night.

Being the first of its kind to be performed in the country, Tuiagi says it will be a huge learning opportunity for those unaware of the adapted sport.

“It’s a diverse culture there, you already know things able people do and now you’ll see what disabled people do. So you’ll have a step up already.”

Goulton echoes Tuiagi’s sentiment on the event, saying it’s a huge step for disabled athletes.

“I’m all for everyone being inspired to be their best self and do your best, they shouldn’t be scared of it. I hope it gets some traction, in Europe they’re already trying to push it as an Olympic sport.”

Goulton and Tuiagi will both go head to head this Saturday, and in the interview, Goulton was not shy to give his opinion on how the fight will go.

“For me, it sounds bad but I want to go in there and give violence, I mean I like PK but if you’re the strongest and the boldest then take it, that’s what I’m about.

“I’ll do him the respect of being vicious because I expect the same from him.”

Watch the full interview here: