New Zealand’s Motekiai astounded audiences by triumphing in the highly competitive 54kg division of an international tournament, despite being the sole representative from his country, and he was rightfully honored with the coveted fight of the tournament award.
Residing in Te Puna, he makes the daily trek to Rotorua to train rigorously at the renowned Rotovegas Boxing Club, under the watchful eye of his father, who serves as his coach. His grueling regimen consists of three intensive training sessions each day, beginning at the crack of dawn at 4:30 am, with Sundays designated as his sole rest day.
“I usually do my morning session for an hour and a half. Mornings are easy,” he shared, highlighting the manageable nature of his early workouts.
“In the afternoon we usually do cardio,” he added, emphasizing the crucial role cardiovascular fitness plays in his training routine.
Motekiai comes from a proud lineage of pugilists, being a fourth-generation boxer. Photo: David Hall.
Stamina, he believes, is paramount in boxing, a principle that drives his commitment to cardio workouts, especially as he prepares to face longer, three-minute rounds starting next year.
He attributes his success in the ring to his nimble head movements and the ability to anticipate incoming punches, saying, “It’s all about reaction time and being ready and focused.”
Motekiai has demonstrated remarkable resilience, having only faced one major injury throughout his boxing journey—a fractured wrist. “We went over to Tonga for a tournament and he punched a punching bag that had been sitting outside for a while, and all the padding had soaked to the bottom and set as concrete. He went to punch it and he fractured his wrist,” his mother, Naiomi Huni, of Pirirakau hapū, Ngāti Ranginui iwi, recounted.
Unbeknownst to him at the time, he disregarded the injury, thinking it was merely bruised, until pain persisted for about four months. He continued to train, unfazed by the discomfort.”
Motekiai has firmly committed himself to a future as a professional boxer, making the significant decision to leave school at 16 to pursue his ambitions full-time amid an intensive schedule that involves competing both domestically and overseas.
His parents couldn’t be prouder of his tireless dedication and the disciplined lifestyle he maintains as an emerging athlete in the boxing world.
Motekiai aspires to emulate Ukrainian boxing legend Vasiliy Lomachenko, a two-time world champion and a celebrated two-time Olympic gold medallist as an amateur.
His accolades extend impressively, having claimed four New Zealand national titles, four North Island Golden Gloves, one New Zealand national Golden Glove, five Australian Golden Gloves, and the title at the Germany Under-17s Open.
“With the help of whānau, friends, and local businesses, we were able to get him to Germany,” Naiomi said, acknowledging the community’s role in his success.
Before his trip to Germany, he had been busy earning victories in international competitions. “As for two weeks before Germany, on August 18, he traveled to Brisbane, Australia to win his fifth Golden Gloves.”
“Then he was at home for two weeks and then he was off to Germany and arrived home on September 29,” she added, detailing his demanding schedule.
On October 1, Motekiai ventured to Christchurch, where he added to his collection by earning his fourth national title.
“He has a busy schedule ahead of him as he progresses towards becoming the number one boxer,” Naiomi remarked, hinting at an exciting future.
As a fourth-generation athlete in a family steeped in boxing tradition, his lineage showcases significant achievements: his great-grandfather was a coach for Tonga, while his great-uncle, father, cousins, and siblings have all achieved recognition in the sport.
“His cousin is ranked 10th heavyweight champion in the world by Ring magazine. His brother went pro two years ago, and his sister represented Tonga at the Commonwealth Games for boxing,” Naiomi proudly indicated.
In their household, boxing is an integral part of daily life, with the sport playing constantly on the family television. The collective enthusiasm and passion for boxing are palpable.
“When he was fighting down in Christchurch, everyone was watching. His little sister was screaming as if he could hear her,” Naiomi recounted, showcasing the family’s unwavering support.
With a strict regimen to maintain, he adheres to a disciplined diet that often feels challenging, especially when others indulge in tempting meals like lasagna while he opts for fish or chicken. But he embraces it wholeheartedly.
Boxing demands significant financial commitment, leading Motekiai and his family to engage in fundraising efforts to support his ambitions. Naiomi explained, “Expenses include travel, accommodation, food, uniforms, and gear.” Thankfully, his sponsors have alleviated some of the pressures associated with these costs.
Motekiai expresses gratitude towards his sponsors: Acon Industries, Madison Sport, Rotovegas Boxing Gym, Team Huni, Details Excavations Ltd, and Hip City Barbers, whose support is invaluable.
Looking ahead, he hopes to compete in tournaments in America next month or next year and aspires to participate in both the Youth Olympics and the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
– SunLive
**Interview with Motekiai: New Zealand’s Rising Boxing Star**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Motekiai. Congratulations on your remarkable victory in the international tournament’s 54kg division! How did it feel to win the fight of the tournament award?
**Motekiai:** Thank you! It felt incredible to win, especially as the sole representative from New Zealand. It was a tough competition, but I was thrilled to showcase my skills and bring home that award for my family and supporters.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! Your training sounds intense, with three sessions a day. Can you walk us through a typical training day?
**Motekiai:** Sure! My day starts early at 4:30 am. The morning session is usually for an hour and a half, focusing on technique. I find mornings easy to handle. In the afternoon, it’s all about cardio, which I believe is crucial, especially as I gear up for longer rounds next year.
**Interviewer:** You come from a boxing family. How has your lineage influenced your boxing career?
**Motekiai:** I’m proud to be a fourth-generation boxer. My family’s history in the sport motivates me to keep pushing forward. My father has been my coach, and it’s great to have that support and understanding of the sport from him. I hope to make them all proud.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned facing a significant injury early in your career. How did you manage to keep training despite the pain?
**Motekiai:** It was tough because I thought it was just a bruise at first, but it turned out to be a fractured wrist. I learned the importance of listening to my body, but at that moment, my passion for boxing pushed me to keep going. Fortunately, I’ve come back stronger.
**Interviewer:** You left school at 16 to pursue boxing full-time. What was that decision like for you and your family?
**Motekiai:** It wasn’t an easy choice, but my family has been incredibly supportive. My parents understood my dreams and believed in my potential. It’s been a challenge to balance everything, but my dedication to boxing drives me forward.
**Interviewer:** With numerous titles under your belt, who do you aspire to emulate in your boxing career?
**Motekiai:** I look up to Vasiliy Lomachenko. His achievements as a two-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist inspire me. I admire his skill and determination, and I aspire to reach that level.
**Interviewer:** Your future looks bright! What’s next for you as you pursue your boxing goals?
**Motekiai:** I have a busy schedule ahead, with many competitions coming up. My ultimate goal is to become the number one boxer, and I’ll keep training hard and making the most out of every opportunity. I’m excited for what lies ahead!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Motekiai. We wish you all the best as you continue to make your mark in the boxing world!
**Motekiai:** Thank you! I appreciate the support!
