:Dean Lonergan

Lonergan represented the New Zealand national rugby league team from 1986 to 1991 and also represented Auckland. He played for the Glenora Bears and City Newton Dragons in the Auckland Rugby League competition and the Canberra Raiders in the NSWRL Premiership. He spent 1989 with the Rochdale Hornets in England.Rochdale Hornets v Oldham Division 2, 1 December 1991

In a Test match against Australia in Melbourne in 1991, Lonergan clashed famously with Kangaroo forward Steve Roach and had to be carried from the field.{{cite news

| last = Deane

| first = Steve

| title = Top 10 moments in Kiwi league

| work = The New Zealand Herald

| publisher = APN Holdings NZ Limited

| date = 23 October 2009

| url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/international-rugby-league/news/article.cfm?c_id=518&objectid=10604820&pnum=0

| accessdate = 5 February 2010}} However he returned to the field and New Zealand won the match.

Warriors

Lonergan was a board member of the Auckland Warriors from 1996 until 1997.[http://www.bsport.co.nz/ContactUs/tabid/60/articleID/6365/cat/23/Default.aspx Profile at BSport.co.nz] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131130001/http://www.bsport.co.nz/ContactUs/tabid/60/articleID/6365/cat/23/Default.aspx|date=31 January 2009}}

Lonergan started promoting boxing in the late 90s with one of his most successful shows being Fight for Life. Fight For Life started being televised from 2001 more than $500,000 for charity.{{Cite web |date=2001-03-30 |title=Boxing: Fight for Life raises $500,000 |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-fight-for-life-raises-500000/3M5KD7BFYESRKJOSBA4PJXIZ4A/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |language=en}} Lonergan first Boxrec recognised professional boxing event was June 2007 with Shane Camerson headlining the event.{{Cite web |date=2007-06-28 |title=Dean Lonergan promoted event |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/528029 |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher=Boxrec |language=en}} Shane Cameron was originally scheduled to take on former IBF World Cruiserweight champion Kelvin Davis who was dubbed "Little Tyson".{{Cite web |date=2007-05-18 |title=Boxing: Cameron to fight 'Little Tyson'|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-cameron-to-fight-little-tyson/FPUXOCU6CGOHJG3M6AN5G62HMU/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2007-05-17 |title=Shane Cameron Gets First Test With Davis

|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/shane-cameron-gets-first-test-with-davis--8685 |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher= Boxing Scene |language=en}} In a bizarre turn of events Davis had to pull out after breaking his back from jumping over Auckland's Greenhithe bridge. Lonergan believed that Davis got a lift from cars being on the other side of the road and jumped the bridge to escape.{{Cite web |date=2007-06-25 |title=Boxing: Cameron's opponent in hospital with broken back|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-camerons-opponent-in-hospital-with-broken-back/WWND7WCUI7ROQNXFCVLKRCDJXE/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |language=en}} The event was successful with Cameron winning his fight with last minute replacement, Brazilian Jucimar Francisco

Hipolito.{{Cite web |date=2007-06-28 |title=Cameron Destroys Hipolito, Targets Holyfield|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/cameron-destroys-hipolito-targets-holyfield--9268 |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher= Boxing Scene |language=en}}

{{main|Duco Events}}

{{main|David Tua vs Shane Cameron}}

Lonergan began working with Duco Events as head of corporate sales and eventually co promoter & co owner in 2009 where Duco hosted their first event dubbed Fight of the Century.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10558388 |title=Boxing: Tua-Cameron fight goes to Hamilton |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date= |accessdate=2019-10-09}} The event was quite successful with Duco Events turning a profit.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/boxing/news/article.cfm?c_id=23&objectid=10615890 |title=Boxing: Date fixed for Tua's next big test|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date= |accessdate=2019-10-09}} It was confirmed that 7500 tickets were sold (750 corporate tables of 10 people), and 88,000 Pay Per Views buys for the event. The PPV buys were considered a world record on a per-capita country basis.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/10524506/Sky-TV-vs-Duco-The-bout-for-boxings-money|title=Sky TV vs Duco: The bout for boxing's money

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= |accessdate=2019-10-10}}

Duco continued promoting Tua, Cameron and Fight for Life after Fight of the Century. The first fight night after Tua vs Cameron was Tua taking on the person who stopped Cameron, Friday Ahunanya.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/3414172/David-Tua-has-Friday-Ahunanya-on-his-mind|title=David Tua has Friday Ahunanya on his mind|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2010-03-07|accessdate=2019-10-10}}

Even though Ahunanya had stopped Cameron in the past, it was a hard job for Lonergan to sell out the event, with New Zealand at the time in 2010 was considered a "soft Market" for commercial professional boxing.{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/282333971067437|title=Tua a home boy – for now|publisher=Sunday Star Times|date=2010-02-28|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Tua won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/34336/unanimous-points-decision-for-tua|title=Unanimous points decision for Tua

|publisher=RNZ |date=2010-04-01|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Throughout 2011, Duco worked had to make a big fight night in December 2011. Many fights were in the talks including Sonny Bill Williams vs Jonah Lomu, Lonergan himself against "Truth Sports Hack" writer John Matheson.{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/283841504747847|title=Fight for Life

|publisher=Sunday Star Times|date=2010-09-05|accessdate=2023-12-14}}{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/284296771518342|title=Jonah v SBW in boxing sensation

|publisher=Sunday Star Times|date=2011-04-24|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Unfortunately, all three Williams, Lomu and Matheson pulled out of the event.{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/284498634996687|title='Bucket' boy dodges big Deano|publisher=Sunday Star Times|date=2011-05-08|accessdate=2023-12-14}}{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/283875864869248|title=SBW sidesteps Jonah's boxing challenge

|publisher=Sunday Star Times|date=2011-08-28|accessdate=2023-12-14}}{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/282956741959798|title=Lomu withdrawal verified

|publisher=The Press |date=2011-11-12|accessdate=2023-12-14}} The event would be headlined by Shane Cameron vs Monty Betham in a grudge match after the two fought each other in a bar a few years prior to the fight.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/5956568/Bethams-scuffle-with-Cameron-goes-to-ring|title=Betham's scuffle with Cameron goes to ring|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2011-11-13|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Duco added a $20,000 knockout bonus to the fight for an extra incentive.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/6044163/Cash-for-knockout-in-Cameron-Betham-fight|title=Cash for knockout in Cameron-Betham fight

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2011-11-27|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Cameron won the fight by unanimous decision with no one gaining the knockout bonus. The event cost around 1.3 Million dollars with $166,000 donated to Prostate awareness charity.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/fight-for-life-fight-for-men-not-a-knockout/VREBRQBE56OZG2F2RUKG3Z76EY/|title=Fight for Life: Fight for men not a knockout|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2011-12-04|accessdate=2023-12-14}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/fight-for-life-exceeds-target-raises-166000/CVTOEXBELU7HLSECZVBD2NKR4E/|title=Fight for Life exceeds target, raises $166,000

|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2011-12-09|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Duco promoted David Tua and Shane Cameron in 2013. In November 2013, in David Tua retirement fight against Aleksandr Ustinov with Wladimir Klitschko's promoter Alexander Krasyuk watching in the crowd.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-tua-has-eyes-on-klitschkos/QCZZCUZEGUW42TV5HO3VIZP2LM/|title=Boxing: Tua has eyes on Klitschkos|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2013-08-06|accessdate=2023-12-14}} In December 2013, Shane Cameron fought in his penultimate fight, and last fight with duco against Brian Minto with the winner fighting Joseph Parker.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/9519060/Brian-Minto-beats-Shane-Cameron-by-TKO|title=Brian Minto beats Shane Cameron by TKO

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2013-12-15|accessdate=2023-12-14}}

In 2011, Duco, began to take interest with amateur boxer Joseph Parker and began negotiations with Parker for his eventual pro career.{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/290537359039081|title=Heavyweights back hot Kiwi prospect|publisher=Sunday Star Times|date=2011-05-29|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Parker made his pro debut on the Shane Cameron vs Monte Barrett undercard.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-duco-in-parkers-corner/SUC7NOW3PNPQPVHWTJX3IFDJSM/|title=Boxing: Duco in Parker's corner|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2012-07-06|accessdate=2023-12-14}} After five fights, Parker was thrown into the deep end to take on Francois Botha. Lonergan acknowledge this was a major risk for Parker who was early in his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/8604844/Parker-risking-Botha-bout-with-another-fight|title=Parker risking Botha bout with another fight|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2013-04-28|accessdate=2023-12-14}} This fight comes after Botha lost a controversial split decision to Sonny Bill Williams.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/64325920/sonny-bill-williams-reflects-on-frans-botha-controversy-ahead-of-planned-ring-return|title=Sonny Bill Williams reflects on Frans Botha controversy ahead of planned ring return

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2014-12-19|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Parker won the fight by second-round KO. Lonergan stated he has full intentions to push Parker hard and keep him busy.{{cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/boxing/boxing-parker-be-kept-active-year|title=Boxing: Parker to be kept active this year|publisher=Otago Daily Times |date=2013-06-14|accessdate=2023-12-14}} In 2013, Duco offered Sonny Bill Williams one millian dollar purse to take on Joseph Parker for his New Zealand title.{{cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/boxing/boxing-sbw-offered-1m-purse|title=Boxing: SBW offered $1m purse|publisher=Otago Daily Times |date=2013-10-06|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Williams never took the bout. Parker would take on Afa Tatupu for Tatupu New Zealand National (NZNBF version) Heavyweight title in October 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/9222632/Tatupu-happy-to-get-chance-to-fight-Parker|title=Tatupu happy to get chance to fight Parker|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2013-09-29|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Parker won the fight by second round Knockout, however, Parker received the worst cuts you can ever get for a boxer.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-parker-wins-brutal-fight-by-knockout/NTATBCPGSYA7QH3E6LGEEFW5R4/|title=Boxing: Parker wins brutal fight by knockout

|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2013-10-10|accessdate=2023-12-14}} Lonergan described it less of a cut and more of a canyon.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-cut-could-put-parkers-plans-on-hold/UBGT3EBWWNA5JWXJUGUVO2IDHU/|title=Boxing: Cut could put Parker's plans on hold

|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2013-10-11|accessdate=2023-12-14}} The cut would put Parker career on hold as it needed time to heal.

{{main|Joseph Parker}}

In 2014, Jeff Horn signed with Duco.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-teacher-packs-a-big-punch/2PCSGWL64WXTQ3G4BP6VADWMKY/|title=Boxing: Teacher packs a big punch

|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2014-07-05|accessdate=2023-12-14}} From here Duco Events became very successful promoting on average five events a year between New Zealand, Australia and one special event in Samoa. One of the highlights during this time was the fight between Joseph Parker and Kali Meehan with six regional titles.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/75472077/joseph-romanos-no-dignity-in-joseph-parker-knocking-out-no-names|title=Joseph Romanos: No dignity in Joseph Parker knocking out no-names|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2015-12-27|accessdate=2023-12-14}}

{{main|Joseph Parker vs. Andy Ruiz Jr.}}

File:Joseph Parker December 2016.jpg

In late October, the Parker vs. Ruiz Jr. world title fight had been officially sanctioned by the World Boxing Organization. The organisation had granted permission to Parker fighting Ruiz Jr. for their belt with their championship committee voting unanimously in favour of the title fight.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/85590565/WBO-give-green-light-to-Joseph-Parker-fighting-Andy-Ruiz-for-heavyweight-title-in-New-Zealand|title=WBO give green light to Joseph Parker fighting Andy Ruiz for heavyweight title in New Zealand|author=Duncan Johnstone|work=Stuff |accessdate=21 October 2016}} Discussions and negotiations began after Fury was expected to be stripped of his WBO title over inactivity and testing positive for cocaine.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/05/tyson-fury-world-title-wbo|title=Tyson Fury set to be stripped of WBO title over 'inactivity' and drug claims|author=Sachin Nakrani|work=The Guardian |date=5 October 2016 |accessdate=5 October 2016}} There was a chance that the fight would not happen in New Zealand as it was a significant cost to host a world title in New Zealand with Lonergan stating there was potencial the event would make a financial loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/duco-scraps-to-keep-joseph-parker-v-andy-ruiz-jr-fight-in-auckland/YJPWWXMWV6SHGQTHSYEBJUKSQM/|title=Duco scraps to keep Joseph Parker v Andy Ruiz Jr fight in Auckland

|author=Patrick McKendry|work=The New Zealand Herald |accessdate=14 December 2023}} Parker won a Majority Decision. Parker would defend the title again in New Zealand in May 2017 and in the UK in September 2017.

Lonergan would expand Duco to Australia with their first fight night being on 24 April 2016 with Jeff Horn being the main eventer.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/boxing/jeff-horn-calls-out-wbo-welterweight-champion-jessie-vargas-after-bailey-win/news-story/4b84dca93ef3a76f5522d98365bba147 |title=Jeff Horn calls out WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas after Bailey win |publisher=FoxSports |date=2016-04-28 |accessdate=2023-12-14}}

{{main|Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn}}

File:Queenslander Jeff Horn (34944270363).jpg

The bout was initially announced in January 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/18448820/manny-pacquiao-defend-welterweight-title-australian-jeff-horn-april-22 |title=Manny Pacquiao to defend welterweight title against Australian Jeff Horn on April 22 |work=Espn.com |date=11 January 2017 |access-date=21 April 2017}} The fight was finalized in April 2017,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/19130946/manny-pacquiao-jeff-horn-set-july-australia-top-rank-says |title=Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn set for July in Australia, Top Rank says |work=Espn.com |date=11 April 2017 |access-date=21 April 2017}} with the city of Brisbane and the Queensland government financing it.{{cite web|author=AP |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/boxing/2017/04/08/manny-pacquiao-to-fight-jeff-horn-in-brisbane-on-july-2/100229960/ |title=Manny Pacquiao to fight Jeff Horn in Australia on July 2 |publisher=Usatoday.com |access-date=21 April 2017}} Lonergan accused Pacquiao for not taking the fight seriously as Pacquiao was using his phone during press conferences, calling him a "world champion texter".{{cite web|author=AP |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/19755616/manny-pacquiao-phone-obsession-proof-taking-fight-lightly-says-jeff-horn |title=Manny Pacquiao's phone-obsession proof he's taking fight lightly, says Jeff Horn

|date=28 June 2017 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=14 December 2023}} The event was very successful selling over 40,000 with less than a month to go before the fight.{{Cite news|url=http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/40000-tickets-already-sold-pacquiao-horn-405870|title=40,000 tickets already sold for Pacquiao-Horn|date=2017-06-01|work=Boxing News|access-date=2017-06-01|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604025022/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/40000-tickets-already-sold-pacquiao-horn-405870|archive-date=4 June 2017|url-status=dead}} Horn won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|author=AP |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/jeff-horn-shows-the-scars-of-victory-after-manny-pacquiao-epic/VTMZRRM6K6DCIKXHLD4QK4VTBU/ |title=Jeff Horn shows the scars of victory after Manny Pacquiao epic |publisher=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=14 December 2023}}

In May 2017, the co owners of Duco Events, Lonergan and David Higgins, officially began the complicated process of ending their partnership.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/92553813/duco-directors-david-higgins-and-dean-lonergan-announce-split|title=Duco directors David Higgins and Dean Lonergan announce split|work=Stuff NZ|accessdate=14 December 2023}} Lonergan was to receive the Australian boxing market and take Jeff Horn, while Higgins would keep the New Zealand boxing market and take Joseph Parker. The separation of the two parties was estimated to have been finalised in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-ducos-split-gets-uglier-as-duo-cannot-find-compromise/MS4OUZFNC643A3S5FBNH4ERXPI/|title=Boxing: Duco's split gets uglier as duo cannot find compromise

|author=Liam Napier|work=New Zealand Herald |accessdate=14 December 2023}}

After splitting with Duco, Lonergan created a new event company, going into business with his son Liam, to create D & L Events.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/herald-on-sunday/20180923/282943861181667 |title=DEAN LONERGAN'S NEW BIZ |publisher=Sunday Herald |date=2018-09-23 |accessdate=2023-12-14}}

Lonergan first boxing event under his new business was with Jeff Horn vs Anthony Mundine in November 2018 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.{{cite web|url=https://dandlevents.co.nz/event/river-city-rumble/ |title=River City Rumble |publisher=D&L Events |date=2018-12-01 |accessdate=2023-12-14}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/dec/01/jeff-horn-secures-devastating-victory-in-anthony-mundines-final-fight|title=Jeff Horn scores devastating knockout as Anthony Mundine bows out

|publisher=Guardian |date=2018-12-01 |accessdate=2023-12-14}} In 2019 and 2020, Lonergan would sign a full roster of boxers in Australia including Isaac Hardman, Jai Opetaia, Justis Huni, Brock Jarvis, Jayde Mitchell and Campbell Somerville. Lonergan was able to continue promoting shows during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia. In 2022, it was announced that Opetaia will fight reigning IBF and The Ring cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Mairis Briedis vs. Jai Opetaia IBF Title Fight Set For April 6 In Australia; Venue TBD |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/mairis-briedis-vs-jai-opetaia-ibf-title-fight-set-april-6-australia-venue-tbd--164105 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=14 February 2022 |date=13 February 2022}} The fight was postponed multiple times due to injury and illnesses.{{cite web |last1=Stumberg |first1=Patrick L. |title=Mairis Briedis comes down with COVID, Jai Opetaia title defense delayed |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2022/2/16/22937707/mairis-briedis-comes-down-covid-jai-opetaia-title-defense-delayed-boxing-news-2022 |website=badlefthook.com |access-date=18 February 2022 |date=16 February 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Stumberg |first1=Patrick L. |title=Jai Opetaia injures ribs, Mairis Briedis fight delayed again |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2022/4/8/23016911/jai-opetaia-injures-ribs-mairis-briedis-fight-delayed-again-boxing-news-2022 |website=badlefthook.com |access-date=9 April 2022 |date=8 April 2022}} The fight was rescheduled for July 2.{{cite web |title=Mairis Briedis Vs Jai Opetaia On July 2 In Australia |url=https://www.boxingnews24.com/2022/03/mairis-briedis-heads-down-unde/ |website=boxingnews24.com |date=11 June 2022 |access-date=14 June 2022}} Opetaia won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 116–112, 116–112 and 115–113.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Jai Opetaia Outboxes Mairis Briedis, Claims Cruiserweight Championship In Upset |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/jai-opetaia-outboxes-mairis-briedis-claims-cruiserweight-championship-upset--167381 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=2 July 2022 |date=2 July 2022}} During the fight, Opetaia badly broke his jaw in two places. In 2023, Lonergan lost the FOX Sports TV Rights in Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/boxing/boxing-news-2023-jai-opetaia-court-victory-over-promoter-dean-lonergan-after-bitter-legal-stoush/news-story/0285e84e8c135ea7837f58acf8f99c0e|title='Next chapter is going to be huge': Jai Opetaia's knockout legal blow in bitter contract dispute|work=Fox Sports |date=2023-03-17 |accessdate=2023-12-14}} Due to this, his contracts with his roster became null void.{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/combat-sports/boxing-news-2023-justis-huni-splits-with-promoter-dean-lonergan-fox-sports-deal/4daa32d7-5bc1-4978-89e4-a96a33971bec|title=Justis Huni joins Eddie Hearn's Matchroom after split with promoter Dean Lonergan |publisher=Nine News |date=2023-02-02 |accessdate=2023-12-14}}

File:Mea motu and lani daniels.jpg

Fight for Life returned to New Zealand in July 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300635432/jerome-pampellone-in-line-for-world-title-shot-against-newly-crowned-australian-champion|title=Jerome Pampellone in line for world title shot against newly crowned Australian champion |publisher=Stuff NZ |date=2022-07-12 |accessdate=2023-12-14}} In 2022, Lonergan would sign multiple boxers from Peach Boxing including Jerome Pampellone, Andrei Mikhailovich, Mea Motu and Zain Adams. In April 2023, Lonergan will have his first female main event with Mea Moto to fight for the IBO World Super Bantamweight title.{{Cite web|title=Fight For Life: Mea Motu v Tania Walters tops bill in first ever female main event|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/fight-for-life-female-bout-tops-bill-for-first-time/YVFWCMUYDBHVBCGBI6E7O72NOI/|access-date=13 May 2023|website=New Zealand Herald |language=en}} Motu won the fight by Unanimous Decision.{{Cite web|title=Fight For Life 2023: Mea Motu claims IBO super bantamweight world title with win over Tania Walters|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/fight-for-life-2023-live-boxing-updates-mea-motu-v-tania-walters-for-the-ibo-world-super-bantamweight-title/KAGKE7DFENBSTN6QCYYWHZKLXQ/|access-date=13 May 2023|website=New Zealand Herald |language=en}} Lonergan would sign IBF World Heavyweight Champion Lani Daniels.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300930060/world-champions-mea-motu-and-lani-daniels-to-top-auckland-bill|title=World champions Mea Motu and Lani Daniels to top Auckland bill|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2023-07-18|access-date=2023-07-20}} Both Mea Motu and Lani Daniels would co main event Lonergans events. In February 2024, Peach Boxing announced their departure with Dean Lonergan D&L Events and had signed with No Limit Boxing under Matt and George Rose.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350188393/top-kiwi-boxers-sign-powerhouse-aussie-promoter?fbclid=IwAR1AYCkuZmN9u-J97Q_40wxH3QcOvSmJq0a8IBYbJgrabx3bqs90M-hJs58|title=Top Kiwi boxers sign with powerhouse Aussie promoter|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2024-02-23 |access-date=2024-02-23}}

Lonergan has held many other events outside of boxing including Cirque Rocks. Lonergan noted this event cost $2.5 million but only turned over about $1.5 million, putting him $1.8 million in debt.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=Between Two Beers podcast: Dean Lonergan - How I got myself out of a $1.8 million dollar hole |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/between-two-beers-podcast-dean-lonergan-how-i-got-myself-out-of-a-18-million-dollar-hole/DJJJ3PWDSNCK5CKPPSOSXPQ4YA/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |date= |title=Past Events with 11 Degrees |url=https://11degrees.co.nz/past-events/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |publisher=11 Degrees |language=en}} Along with David Higgins with Duco Events, Lonergan promoted multiple sporting events including NRL Nines and Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503376&objectid=11274850 |title=NRL Nines reaps $9million return for Auckland|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date= |accessdate=2019-10-09}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11799042 |title=Rugby: Brisbane Global Tens: Where the bloody hell are ya?|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date= |accessdate=2019-10-09}}

Lonergan was a columnist for NZ Herald.{{cite news| last=Lonergan| first=Dean| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10544670| title=Kiwis' success should Sparc rethink from bureaucrats| work=The New Zealand Herald| date=24 November 2008| accessdate=6 April 2016}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20121025041812/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-8977629.html Lonergan's the Main Man] New Truth & TV Extra, 28 May 2004 He was also a radio announcer for multiple radio stations, mostly focused on Sports.{{Cite web |date=2007-10-22 |title=Scrap of the radio airwaves looming

|url=https://pressreader.com/article/282308200740787 |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=The Southland Times |language=en-NZ}}

Following the resignation of Robert Muldoon, Lonergan stood in the 1992 Tamaki by-election for a seat in the 43rd New Zealand Parliament, as a stunt for Radio Hauraki.{{cite news| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10384755| title=Hard man's new game plan| date=2 June 2006| work=The New Zealand Herald | accessdate=6 April 2016| first=Catherine| last=Masters}} Of 14 candidates, he came sixth with 105 votes with the percentage of 0.60% .{{cite report |title=Voting Statistics for the Electoral Referendum Held on 19 September 1992, The Tamaki By-Election Held on 15 February 1992|publisher=Electoral Commission}}

Former two-time WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Anthony Mundine has described Lonergan as a "despicable human being."{{Cite web |title=Anthony Mundine fires off barrage of verbal blows at Dean Lonergan – 'He's a despicable human being' |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2018/10/23/anthony-mundine-fires-off-barrage-of-verbal-blows-at-dean-lonergan-hes-a-despicable-human-being/ |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=1 News |language=en}}

After a four-year association, broadcast partner Fox Sports abruptly cancelled their deal with Lonergan's D & L Events in December 2022.{{Cite web |date=31 January 2023 |title=Boxing bombshell as Huni KO's Aussie promoter |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=CMWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.couriermail.com.au%2Fsport%2Fboxing-mma%2Fboxing-news-aussie-heavyweight-star-justis-huni-severs-ties-with-promoter-set-to-join-global-powerhouse%2Fnews-story%2F2231ee2f021dac86d1c870f8dd593c3e&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE}} Lonergan was immediately abandoned by his fighters and unsuccessfully sued them.{{Cite web |title=Huni makes call on future after split with promoter |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/combat%20sports/boxing-news-2023-justis-huni-splits-with-promoter-dean-lonergan-fox-sports-deal/4daa32d7-5bc1-4978-89e4-a96a33971bec |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=wwos.nine.com.au |language=en}} In 2023 he returned home to restart his promoting business in New Zealand by signing a new stable of kiwi fighters.

On 23 February 2024, the New Zealand Herald reported that Lonergan's D & L Events had suffered multi-million dollar losses and his financial backers had pulled rank at short notice. His fighters had been released from their contracts. Lonergan did not deny the business had lost $2 million.{{Cite web |title= Lonergan and the rich listers: Inside top Kiwi boxers' switch to Aussie promoters|date=8 March 2024 |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-isaac-peachs-top-kiwi-fighters-switching-from-dean-lonergan-to-australian-promoters/YMQURBK2JND4TPCO6VPDFCTIMU/}}

Lonergan sued Jai Opetaia for AU$1.6 million in lost revenue in 2024 after the Aussie boxer terminated his contract with the Kiwi promoter.{{Cite web |title=No Cookies {{!}} CODE Sports |url=https://tags.news.com.au/prod/newskey/generator.html?origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.codesports.com.au%2Fboxing%2Fjai-opetaia-scores-knockout-win-in-16-million-court-case-against-former-promoter%2Fnews-story%2F53e4ec4ca4f5db057354dc023860ef86 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=codesports |language=en}}

Lonergan sought damages for lost earnings on up to five big-money fights, however Opetaia's manager, Mick Francis claimed Lonergan could no longer fulfil the terms of his contract after his company D&L Events lost its broadcast contract with Fox Sports.

The case was dismissed in the Queensland High Court on October 11 2024 enabling Opetaia to now sue Lonergan for up to AU$1 million in costs and damages.{{Cite web |title=D & L Events Pty Ltd v Opetaia [2024] QSC 245 - Caselaw |url=https://www.queenslandjudgments.com.au/caselaw/qsc/2024/245 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.queenslandjudgments.com.au |language=en-AU}}

In the 2012 Queen's Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours, Lonergan was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport and philanthropy.{{cite web|url=http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/node/1045|title=Queen's Birthday and Diamond Jubilee honours list 2012|date=4 June 2012|publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|accessdate=6 April 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604202359/http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/node/1045|archivedate=4 June 2012}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://dandlevents.co.nz/ D & L Events]

{{New Zealand 1992 Rugby League World Cup squad}}

{{New Zealand World Boxing Champions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lonergan, Dean}}

Category:1965 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century New Zealand sportsmen

Category:Auckland rugby league team players

Category:Boxing promoters

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Category:Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit

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