The Aoraki Boxing Association has left the 2025 Boxing New Zealand National Championships with a trove of gold.
In the second year since the association’s establishment, all five of its fighters who competed at the nationals walked away with a gold medal.
Scooping up the top accolades in Porirua late last month were siblings, Taafaki, Tarona, Francis and Pasoni Taafaki, who all fight out of Taafaki Boxing in Waimate, as well as Josh Tonga, an Oamaru-born fighter representing A-Town Boxing Club in Christchurch.
Both Taafaki Taafaki (male cadet 64kg) and Tarona Taafaki (female elite 80kg+) received their gold medals unopposed.
Taafaki stood firm in his decision to remain in the 64kg cadet division, despite being unopposed, having already faced and defeated opponents above his weight class earlier in the year, he recognised that the lower division would present little challenge.
Tarona, however, was primed and ready to make her long-awaited debut on the national stage.
In need of more fights to gain experience, she was thrilled at the chance to potentially get two more bouts under her belt.
Unfortunately, her two potential opponents withdrew, one just days before the draw and the other prior to competition.
Francis Taafaki (female junior 80kg+) opened her campaign against the reigning New Zealand national champion in a highly anticipated rematch.
Displaying exceptional composure and inside-fighting ability, she dictated the exchanges at close range, landing short combinations and intelligent bodywork within the clinch.
Her persistent pressure and ring control earned her a split-decision victory.
In the finals, Francis adjusted her approach, opting for a more calculated long and mid-range strategy against a strong Motueka opponent.
Her ability to control distance, dictate tempo, and land precise straight punches consistently broke her opponent’s rhythm.
In a dominant second round, Francis forced an eight count after landing a clean combination that visibly stunned her opponent.
She maintained composure to close the bout with discipline and authority, securing a unanimous decision victory and earning the title of 2025 New Zealand Junior 80kg+ Champion.
Pasoni Taafaki (male youth 75kg) had originally entered in the 70kg division but chose to move up to 75kg, seeking a tougher and more technical challenge.
After receiving a bye on day one, he opened his campaign on day two with commanding ring control, applying pressure and landing clean combinations that forced his opponent’s corner to throw in the towel, resulting in a referee stoppage victory.
On day three, in the semifinal, he demonstrated excellent range management, neutralising his opponent’s strengths and dictating the rhythm of the bout.
His adaptability and tactical patience secured a split-decision win.
Entering the final with a clear understanding of his opponent’s strategy to clinch and disrupt rhythm, Pasoni made timely adjustments, utilising his jab and footwork to create openings.
His composure, timing, and strategic awareness allowed him to dominate the exchanges and claim a decisive victory.
Under coach Jamie Roberts, 19-year-old Josh Tonga, displayed maturity beyond his years in the highly competitive male elite 80kg division.
Josh showcased clean technical fundamentals, maintaining centre control, dictating pace and executing precise mid-range offence.
He demonstrated the ability to listen, adapt and execute with excellence, adjusting his strategy mid-fight with intelligence and poise.
His timing, disciplined guard and conditioning allowed him to control the round with efficiency and confidence.
Josh’s standout performance earned him not only the national title but also the prestigious George Bush Memorial Belt, recognising his technical excellence, adaptability and composure throughout the championship.
In a statement, an Aoraki Boxing Association spokesperson said the success reflected disciplined preparation, intelligent coaching and unified focus.
‘‘This success would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of head coach Badi Taafaki and team manager and coach Kuana Levi.
‘‘Each athlete embodied ring IQ, adaptability, and resilience, qualities that set a strong foundation for continued success as the team looks ahead to 2026 and beyond.
‘‘The association is immensely proud of its athletes, coaches, and supporters, and looks forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.’’ — Allied Media
