David Light (boxer)
David Light (born 13 November 1991) is a New Zealand professional boxer. As an amateur, he competed in the men's heavyweight division at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where he won the silver medal against Canada's Samir El-Mais.[1] Professionally, Light is a former WBO World Crusierweight title contender, where he fought Lawrence Okolie in March 2023.
David Light | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | David Thomas Light 13 November 1991 Takapuna, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||
| Nationality | New Zealander | ||||||||||||||
| Statistics | |||||||||||||||
| Weight(s) | Cruiserweight | ||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||
| Reach | 193 cm (76 in) | ||||||||||||||
| Stance | Orthodox | ||||||||||||||
| Boxing record | |||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 21 | ||||||||||||||
| Wins | 20 | ||||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 12 | ||||||||||||||
| Losses | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Early life edit
David is the youngest of eight children to New Zealand inventor Len Light who invented the world's first do-it-yourself yoghurt maker,[2] founding the then family business of Easiyo in 1992[3] and later of New Zealand Pure Dairy Ltd.[4]
Amateur career edit
David had reached the semifinal after knocking out Malaysia's Meeraj Omar in the second round of his first bout, before defeating Kenya's Charles Odhiambo Okoth in a unanimous decision.[5]
Light joined fellow boxer, David Nyika, in bringing home rare Commonwealth Games boxing medals to New Zealand. The last time that two Kiwi boxers returned from the Commonwealth Games with both a gold and a silver medal was in the Perth Commonwealth Games in 1962.[citation needed]
Following his Commonwealth success, Light was full of admiration for the Kiwi team but made controversial remarks regarding professional boxing: "... us boys in the New Zealand team, we always joke that going pro is when you give up on actual boxing ... You're cashing in on your talent and you're fighting bums."[6]
Other successes for Light in 2014 include placing 2nd in his events at the 2014 boxing tournaments held in Belgrade, Serbia and 3rd at the 2014 GeeBee Competitions. Light has been in the national team since 2011.[7]
2011 North Island Golden Gloves Tournament edit
Elite Heavyweight (91 kg)[8]
- Defeated E Enoka in Semifinals
- Lost Tino Honey in finals
2011 New Zealand National Championship edit
Elite Heavyweight (91 kg)[9]
- Defeated Kahukura Bentson in Quarterfinals
- Defeated Floyd Masson in Semifinals
- Defeated Tino Honey in finals
2012 New Zealand National Championship edit
Elite Heavyweight (91 kg)
- Defeated Hale Faiumu in semifinals
- Defeated Toa Leutele in finals
2013 New Zealand National Championship edit
Elite Heavyweight (91 kg):
- Defeated Floyd Masson in semifinals
- Defeated Tino Honey in finals
2014 Commonwealth Games edit
Heavyweight (91 kg)
- Defeated Muhammad Meeraj Omar (Malaysia) in Round of 16
- Defeated Charles Okoth (Kenya) in quarterfinals
- Defeated Stephen Lavelle (Scotland) in semifinal
- Lost Samir El-Mais (Canada) in final
Professional career edit
International fight, Regional titles 2018 - 2019 edit
In October 2018, Light took on Fijian boxer James Singh in his ninth fight of his professional boxing career.[10][11] Light won the fight by first-round knockout. The following month, Light took on another Fijian boxer Savenaca Naliva for the WBF International Cruiserweight title.[12] This is the first time in lights professional career that he fought for an international title.[13] Light won the fight by third round stoppage, winning his first international title.[14][15] In December 2018, Light took on Lance Bryant on a Joseph Parker undercard. Light won the fight by second round stoppage.[16]
In May 2019, Light took a major risk by taking on two time world title challenger Australian Mark Flanagan for the vacant WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title.[17] Light won the fight by Unanimous Decision.[18] After winning the fight, Light received the ranking of 14th in the WBO. Light went on to fight another Australian World title contender Trent Broadhurst.[19] Light won fight by third round stoppage with Broadhurst knocked down four times in the fight. The fight was surrounded by controversy for multiple reasons including Broadhurst coming into the fight with an ear injury and Light making the injury worse. One of the biggest controversy surrounding the fight was the judging on the fight. Before the stoppage, the judges did not recognise the knockdown that, giving incorrect scoring to the cards.[20] Light finished his 2019 with the ranking of 8th in WBO, 14th in IBF, 30th in the WBC and 38th on Boxrec.[21]
Covid 19, ACL Injury, World title eliminator 2020 - 2022 edit
Unfotunately due to COVID-19 pandemic, majority of 2020 was inactive. In December 2020, Light took on Mose Auimatagi Jnr, defending his WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title.[22][23] Light won the fight by Unanimous Decision.[24] Light will return to the ring after recovering from an ACL injury in 2022.[25] Light would make is USA debut when he took on Anthony Martinez in May 2022, in Florida.[26] This will be the biggest title fight of his professional career so far for the WBO International Cruiserweight title. Light won the fight by first-round knockout.[27] Light took on Indian boxer Vikas Singh in October 2022 in his return to Australia. The fight was on a 19 fight card which was held on Lights promoter Matt Rose event.[28] Light won the fight by second-round knockout. In December 2022, Light would return to Florida to take on Brandon Glanton in a WBO World title eliminator.[29] Light defending his WBO International title and Glanton defending his WBO Global title.[30][31] Light won the fight by a close Split Decision with the world title shot expected to happen in March or April 2023.[32]
World title fight, retirement 2023 edit
On December 5, 2022, the WBO ordered negotiations between WBO World Cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie promoter Eddie Hearn and Lights promoter Matt Rose to negotiated a mandatory world title fight between the two boxers. The two were given 20 days to negotiate.[33] On the 6th of December 2022, WBO announced that the World title fight will be going to the Purse bid on December 14 in Puerto Rico.[34] On the 13th of December, Okolie team requested a 7-day extension to continue their negotiations between them and Lights team. Lights team supported the extension and WBO accepted. WBO stated if an agreement does not reach, the purse bid would be held on 22 December in Puerto Rico.[35] It was revealed on 15 December that the world title fight would likely happen in the UK in March 2023.[36] On the 23rd of December, it was announced that both team have come to an agreement and will fight in the UK on March 11.[37] The fight will be promoted by Ben Shalom under UK Boxing promotion "Boxxer".[38] This is the same promoter for Joseph Parker.[39] Leading into the World title fight, he received a significant ranking increase in the world bodies including 1st with the WBO[40] and 5th in the IBF.[41] Light lost the fight by unanimous decision, but Light was praised for his toughness.[42] After the fight, Lights trainer Isaac Peach, blast the referee for allowing Lawrence Okolie to fowl multiple times throughout the fight.[43] A month after the fight, it was announced that Light suffered a stroke as a result of the damage he sustained during the fight.[44] Due to this, Light was forced to retire from boxing.[45]
Professional boxing record edit
| 21 fights | 20 wins | 1 loss |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 12 | 0 |
| By decision | 8 | 1 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Loss | 20–1 | Lawrence Okolie | UD | 12 | 25 Mar 2023 | AO Arena, Manchester, England | For WBO cruiserweight title |
| 20 | Win | 20–0 | Brandon Glanton | SD | 10 | 2 Dec 2022 | Whitesands Events Center, Plant City, Florida, US | Won vacant WBO International and WBO Global cruiserweight titles |
| 19 | Win | 19–0 | Vikas Singh | KO | 2 (8), 1:56 | 8 Oct 2022 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | |
| 18 | Win | 18–0 | Anthony Martinez | TKO | 1 (10), 2:57 | 7 May 2022 | Hialeah Park Racing & Casino, Hialeah, Florida, US | Won vacant WBO International cruiserweight title |
| 17 | Win | 17–0 | Mose Auimatagi Jr. | UD | 10 | 19 Dec 2020 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | Retained WBO Oriental cruiserweight title |
| 16 | Win | 16–0 | Lance Bryant | TKO | 1 (10), 1:09 | 13 Nov 2020 | SkyCity Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand | Retained PBCNZ cruiserweight title |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Trent Broadhurst | TKO | 3 (10), 2:36 | 6 Dec 2019 | International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia | Retained WBO Oriental cruiserweight title |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | German Garcia Montes | UD | 8 | 31 Aug 2019 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Mark Flanagan | UD | 10 | 18 May 2019 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | Won vacant WBO Oriental cruiserweight title |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Jordan Mororoa | UD | 6 | 2 Mar 2019 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Lance Bryant | TKO | 2 (6), 1:05 | 15 Dec 2018 | Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, New Zealand | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Savenaca Naliva | TKO | 3 (10), 1:55 | 2 Nov 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | Won vacant WBF Intercontinental cruiserweight title |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | James Singh | KO | 1 (6), 2:59 | 13 Oct 2018 | Chao Shan General Association, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Hunter Sam | UD | 6 | 29 Sep 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Thomas Russell | TKO | 3 (6), 2:56 | 25 Aug 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Daniel Tai | UD | 6 | 21 Jul 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Thomas Russell | TKO | 3 (6), 1:57 | 9 Jun 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Cory Enoka | TKO | 3 (10), 1:56 | 21 Apr 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | Won vacant PBCNZ cruiserweight title |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Tussi Asafo | TKO | 1 (4), 2:59 | 16 Mar 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Vaimoli Ioelu | UD | 4 | 18 Nov 2017 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Lui Te'o | KO | 2 (4) | 3 Nov 2017 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand |
Awards and recognitions edit
- 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Boxer of the year (Nominated)
- 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Male boxer of the year (Nominated)[46]
- 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Knockout of the year (Nominated)
- 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Champion of the year (Nominated)
- 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards International fight of the year (Won)[47]
- 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Worst cut of the year (Nominated)
- 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Best Looking male boxer of the year (Nominated)
- 2020 New Zealand Fighter Boxing Awards International Champion of the year (Won)[48]
- 2020 New Zealand Fighter Boxing Awards Male boxer of the year (Won)
- 2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards Champion of the year (Won)[49]
- 2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards International Fight of the year (Won)
References edit
- ^ "Commonwealth Games: Gold and silver in boxing". The New Zealand Herald. 3 August 2014.
- ^ "Getting bucks from bacteria". The New Zealand Herald. 5 October 2000. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- ^ "21 years for EasiYo and a new Chief Executive | Scoop News". www.scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- ^ "Len Light - Founder | New Zealand Pure Dairy Limited". www.nzpuredairy.co.nz. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- ^ Glasgow, Matt Richens in (2 August 2014). "That's gold as boxer David Light advances". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- ^ "Boxer David Light undecided on future". Retrieved 5 January 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Glasgow 2014 - David Light Profile". g2014results.thecgf.com. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- ^ "New Zealand Amateur boxing Results 2009 - 2014". Boxing New Zealand. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
- ^ "New Zealand National Amateur Champions". Boxing New Zealand. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
- ^ "Singh books bout with Light". Fiji Times. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Singh's fight". Fiji Times. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Naliva gears up for cruiserweight bout against Light". Fiji Times. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ . New Zealand Fighter. Archived from the original on 20 December 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Light downs Naliva in NZ". Fiji Times. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Fiji boxer Naliva fails to end Light's unbeaten run". Fiji Times. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "From sniggering to staring: Dave Light ready to take on boxing world". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "WBO Oriental Jr. Heavyweight Championship: Light Vs. Flanagan". WBO. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "David Light is the new WBO Oriental Jr. Heavyweight Champion". WBO. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Unbeaten Kiwi cruiserweight Dave Light takes another step towards WBO title shot". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Controversy surrounding David Lights Fight". Ring News 24. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "New Zealand current world rankings". Fight News NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Mose Jr Auimatagi eyes career-changing win". RNZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Boxer Mose Auimatagi Jnr jumps two weight divisions to pursue WBO Oriental Title". TPPlus. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Mose Auimatagi Jnr Scheduled For International Return". Scoop. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Boxing: World title shot in reach for Kiwi David Light with potential WBO cruiserweight title eliminator". NZ Herald. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "'It's pretty planned out': Kiwi cruiserweight David Light on the verge of a world title shot". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Kiwi cruiserweight prospect David Light scores stunning first round victory in Florida". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "'I want to make that happen': David Light eyes world title shot against Australian rival". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Kiwi David Light gets heavy duty in preparation for big time". One News. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Brandon Glanton-David Light To Headline December 2 ProBox Card In Plant City, Florida". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "WBO INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DAVID LIGHT ARRIVES IN TAMPA FOR FRIDAY'S SHOWDOWN AGAINST BRANDON GLANTON". 15 Rounds. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Kiwi cruiserweight David Light earns world title fight after split decision win". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Re: WBO Jr. Heavyweight Mandatory Championship Contest – Negotiations Lawrence Okolie vs. David Light". WBO. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
- ^ "WBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE RESOLUTION: WBO Jr. Heavyweight Mandatory Championship Contest Lawrence Okolie vs. David Light". WBO. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ "Re: WBO – Okolie/Light – Purse Bid". WBO. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
- ^ "Boxing: Kiwi David Light eyes unlikely world cruiserweight title bid against champion Lawrence Okolie". Newshub. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
- ^ "David Light gets 'perfect' date for world title shot in London". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Lawrence Okolie-David Light WBO Title Fight Set For March 11 in London, Avoid Purse Bid". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Joseph Parker returns against British cruiserweight". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "WBO Rankings". WBO. 14 December 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
- ^ "IBF Rankings". IBF. 5 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
- ^ "Lawrence Okolie defends WBO world cruiserweight title but tough David Light goes the distance". Sky Sports. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ "David Light's trainer blasts refereeing in world title loss to Lawrence Okolie". Stuff NZ. 27 March 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ "Kiwi boxer David Light treated for stroke after world title loss". TVNZ One News. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "From a world title fight to never boxing again: David Light opens up on blood clot battle, surviving stroke". NZ Herald. 9 July 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ . Gladrap. Archived from the original on 2 January 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
- ^ "Gladrap Awards 2019". Gladrap Channel. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
- ^ . New Zealand Fighter. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
- ^ "2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards". Boxing Awards NZ. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
External links edit
- David Light at the New Zealand Olympic Committee
- Boxing record for David Light from BoxRec (registration required)
| Sporting positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional boxing titles | ||||
| New title | New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) cruiserweight Champion 21 April 2018 – 2021 | Vacant Title next held by Joshua Francis | ||
| Vacant Title last held by Damir Beljo | WBF Intercontinental cruiserweight champion 2 November 2018 | Vacant | ||
| Vacant Title last held by Yury Kashinsky | WBO Oriental cruiserweight champion 18 May 2019 – 25 March 2023 | Vacant | ||
| Vacant Title last held by Lawrence Okolie | WBO International cruiserweight champion 7 May 2022 – 25 March 2023 | Vacant | ||
| Preceded by Brandon Glanton | WBO Global cruiserweight champion 2 December 2022 – 25 March 2023 | Vacant | ||