Chris Martin (boxing trainer)
{{Short description|New Zealand boxing trainer (1963/1964–2023)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Chris Martin
| image =
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| birth_name = Christopher Bruce Martin
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1964|09|23|df=y}}{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/promoter/541806|title=Boxrec Profile|publisher=Boxrec|date=|access-date=2023-09-01}}
| birth_place = Napier, New Zealand
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|08|21|1964|09|23|df=y}}
| death_place = Auckland, New Zealand
| burial_place = Waikumete Cemetery{{cite web|url=https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/cemeteries/Pages/RecordDetails.aspx?recordId=D3B09B8A5D9BF0CA29225B97DC17FE48|title=Record for Christopher Bruce Martin|publisher=Auckland Council|date=|access-date=2023-09-01}}
| education =
| alma_mater =
| occupation = Boxing manager and trainer
| years_active =
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| known_for =
| notable_works =
| spouse =
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Christopher Bruce Martin (23 September 1964 – 21 August 2023) was a New Zealand boxing manager and trainer. He trained many boxers including two of David Tua's fights in 2011, Joseph Parker's debut and first fight in Australia, Mea Motu during her amateur career, Geovana Peres for her two world title fights in 2019, Michelle Preston for her world title fight in 2012, and Daniella Smith.
Training amateur boxers
= Soulan Pownceby =
In 1995, Martin was the personal trainer of Olympic boxer Soulan Pownceby when Pownceby got convicted for manslaughter.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nz-boxer-served-time-for-manslaughter-20040622-gdj6o1.html|title=NZ boxer served time for manslaughter|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=2004-06-22|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/officials-back-killer-boxer/42LUIAH5PAL6G3FBBLF43IZZEA/|title=Officials back killer boxer|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=|access-date=2023-08-21}}
= Siona Fernandes =
In 2012, Martin's boxer Siona Fernandes went to The London 2012 Summer Olympics, competing in the flyweight division.{{cite web|url=https://olympic.org.nz/news/kiwi-boxers-make-olympic-history|title=KIWI BOXERS MAKE OLYMPIC HISTORY
|publisher=NZ Olympic team|date=2012-06-14|access-date=2023-08-21}} When Fernandes started boxing under Martin, in their first year together, Fernandes captured the New Zealand National Amateur Boxing Championships and Most Scientific boxing award at the Championships.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-from-dancer-to-boxer/YW2KP4PQU5GXLKPL2SDT6JE2W4/|title=From Dancer to boxer|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=2011-11-27|access-date=2023-08-21}}
= Mea Motu =
In 2015, Martin coached a team of amateur boxers to take to the New Zealand Championships. One of the people on the team was Mea Motu.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2015/09/17/boxing-alley-fighters-pursue-spot-in-nz-amateur-boxing-team/|title=Boxing Alley fighters pursue spot in NZ amateur boxing team|publisher=Te Ao Maori|date=2015-09-17|access-date=2023-08-21}}
David Tua
In 2011, Martin started training David Tua in Tua's 2011 comeback after Tua's draw against Monte Barrett in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/4782067/Martin-relishes-working-with-David-Tua|title=Martin relishes working with David Tua|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2011-03-18|access-date=2023-08-21}} Martin's first fight with Tua was against Demetrice King. Martin described King as a big man.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/4786672/Hype-ratchets-up-as-backyard-brawl-nears|title=Hype ratchets up as 'backyard brawl' nears|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2011-03-19|access-date=2023-08-21}} Tua won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/sport/4788587/David-Tua-grinds-out-win-over-Demetrice-King|title=David Tua grinds out win over Demetrice King|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2011-03-20|access-date=2023-08-21}} Roger Bloodworth who trained Tua for his Shane Cameron fight, was considered an option leading into the rematch against Monte Barrett.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-rematch-could-be-tuas-final-fight/BMEPA2E3OZDKP6KUITWC4RF7DQ/|title=Boxing: Rematch could be Tua's final fight|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2011-06-18|access-date=2023-08-21}} Seven weeks before Tuas fight against Barrett rematch, Martin still had not heard from Tua and Tua had still not made his decision on who his trainer will be.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/article/284863707265381|title=Tua has bout but no trainer|publisher=Sunday Star Times|date=2011-06-19|access-date=2023-08-21}} However, in the end Martin trained Tua for his rematch against Monte Barrett which took place in New Zealand.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/5403818/Redemption-on-song-for-relaxed-David-Tua|title=Redemption on song for relaxed David Tua|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2011-08-07|access-date=2023-08-21}} Martin was part of the press conference leading into the fight against Barrett.{{cite web|url=https://www.photosport.nz/gallery-image/110808-Tua-v-Barrett-Presser/G0000WbloGwq5srw/I0000JXsmb7Ti.DQ/C0000JqRkrcOdryU|title=Boxing - Tua v Barrett Presser, 8 August 2011|publisher=Photosport|date=2011-08-08|access-date=2023-08-21}} Martin stated he worked on Tua Work rate going into the Barrett fight during training.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/sunday-news/20110807/page/33/textview|title=N song|publisher=Sunday News|date=2011-08-07|access-date=2023-08-28}} Tua lost the fight against Barrett. Martin refused to work with Tua after that fight after not being paid for his services.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-barrett-tua-to-make-it-three/2K7BOMDTIFYL5ZLIEIM2NITSW4/|title=Boxing: Barrett, Tua to make it three?|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2011-11-20|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/article/281878705173073|title=Tua, trainer in pay row|publisher=Marlborough Express |date=2011-11-16|access-date=2023-08-21}} Martin described the loss for Tua against Barrett was down to Tua's battles outside the ring.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-southland-times/20131109/282196533715455|title=Former trainer tips Tua to prevail|publisher=The Southland Times |date=2013-11-09|access-date=2023-08-21}}
Main stable
= Steven Heremaia =
Martin was the trainer for Steven Heremaia since Heremaia's amateur boxing career.{{cite web|url=https://magazine.fighttimes.com/inga-tuigamalas-fight-night/|title=Inga Tuigamala's Fight Night
|publisher=Fight Times Magazine|date=2010-03-25|access-date=2023-08-21}} Martin described Heremaia as a "mini-Tyson".{{cite web|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0803/S00059/sport-kiwi-boxings-groundhog-day.htm|title=Sport: Kiwi Boxing's Groundhog Day|publisher=Scoop|date=2008-03-05|access-date=2023-08-21}} Martin would continue to train Heremaia throughout his professional career.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/nor-west-news/16826/Top-boxers-ring-in-to-Rodney|title=Top boxers ring in to Rodney|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2009-01-31|access-date=2023-08-21}} One of the fights Martin cornered Heremaia for was his first fight in Fiji against Zulfikar Joy Ali.{{cite web|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2010/06/18/dont-force-joy-warned/|title=Don't Force: Joy Warned|publisher=Fiji Sun|date=2010-06-18|access-date=2023-08-21}} In February 2010 when Heremaia at the time had the record of 14–3, Martin believed 2 out of 3 of Heremaia losses were due to poor judging. This comes after Heremaia suffered another loss due to poor judging.{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/283532266932192|title=Cameron camp tells Hoppa he's a chicken|publisher=Sunday Star-Times |date=2010-02-14|access-date=2023-08-21}}
= Nikolas Charalampous =
Martin was one of Charalampous' trainers during his professional boxing career.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/9408704/Nikolas-Charalampous-decides-to-box-clever|title=Nikolas Charalampous decides to box clever|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2013-11-17|access-date=2023-08-21}} The other trainer being Cleve Langdon.
= The Tai family =
Martin trained multiple members of the Tai family including Daniel, Jordan, Joshua and Monica.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2016/05/24/boxing-online-extra-interview-with-jordan-tai/|title=Boxing Online Extra – Interview with Jordan Tai|publisher=Te Ao Maori|date=2016-05-24|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/nz-boxings-next-big-thing-meet-middleweight-star-viliami-liavaa/4EFSIANSGG3ZZJM46SZRDLUT5E/|title=NZ boxing's next big thing: Meet middleweight star Viliami Liava'a
|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2022-08-18|access-date=2023-08-21}}
Martin trained Jordan Tai when he defeated unbeaten Joe Blackborn for the New Zealand title in the first round.{{cite news|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2016/11/jordan-tai-chases-title-shot-at-big-bash.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821092544/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2016/11/jordan-tai-chases-title-shot-at-big-bash.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 August 2023|title=Jordan Tai chasing title glory at Big Bash|newspaper=Newshub |date=2016-11-10|access-date=2023-08-21}}
In 2021, Monica Tai under Chris Martin was expected to return to the ring as a pro.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2021/news042021new-zealand-news.htm|title=Monica Tai confirmed to make in ring|publisher=Women Boxing News Archive|date=2021-04-19|access-date=2023-08-21}} However, the return did not happen in the end due to the covid pandemic.
= Marcus Heywood =
Marcus Heywood was one of Martin's professional boxers that he trained.{{cite web|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/10/13/the-kiwi-boxer-hoping-for-fairytale-finish-on-world-stage/|title=The Kiwi boxer hoping for fairytale finish on world stage|publisher=One News|date=2022-10-14|access-date=2023-08-21}} Heywood opinion training with Martin is "Bloody awesome, best coach in New Zealand".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SRKKhK4WFc&ab_channel=GladrapChannel|title=Marcus Heywood on fight with Omar Ismail, trainer Chris Martin, past fight with Bowyn Morgan in Chch|publisher=Gladrap Channel|date=2022-05-19|access-date=2023-08-25}} Heywoods Farther shares the same opinion stating "he is extremely good".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-Ke8FNMoWI&ab_channel=GladrapChannel|title=Marcus Heywood wrapping gloves with Chris Martin moments before showdown
|publisher=Gladrap Channel|date=2022-05-21|access-date=2023-08-25}}
= Other boxers =
In 2012, Martin trained Clarence Tillman for his fight against Sonny Bill Williams for the New Zealand title.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/article/281964604620131|title=Fighters trade early blows as weigh-in becomes heated|publisher=The Southland Times |date=2012-02-08|access-date=2023-08-29}}
In 2014, Martin trained William Quarrie, one of his well known fights was against Hemi Ahio at the Super 8 Boxing Tournament undercard.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/article/281560878832458|title=Boxers ready for the ring
|publisher=East and Bays Courier|date=2014-05-23|access-date=2023-08-29}}
Women boxers
= Michelle Preston =
In 2012, Preston fought for her first World boxing title fight in Argentina. Preston turned to Martin to improve her hand work.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/article/282080569117204|title=Preston chases super flyweight title|publisher=Sunday News|date=2012-11-18|access-date=2023-08-21}}
= Smith family =
Martin trained Daniella Smith during her career.{{cite web|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/44407527|title=The comeback queen|publisher=Western Leader |date=2006-05-19|access-date=2023-08-28}} In 2014, Martin would start training Smith's daughter Talia.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2014/02/12/boxing-champs-daughter-sets-sights-on-pro-career/|title=Boxing champs daughter sets sights on pro career|publisher=Te Ao Maori|date=2014-02-12|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/281857231524516|title=Cousins step in the ring|publisher=Northern News|date=2014-06-16|access-date=2023-08-21}}
= Geovana Peres =
Martin was one of the key components for Geovana Peres' WBO World Light Heavyweight title win and successful defence in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://gayexpress.co.nz/2021/02/geovana-peres-announces-her-retirement/|title=GEOVANA PERES ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT|publisher=Gay Express Magazine|date=2021-02-01|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2023/news082223new-zealand-news.htm|title=Shocking Death of Legendary Boxing Trainer
|publisher=Women Boxing New Archive|date=2023-08-22|access-date=2023-08-21}}
Train Joseph Parker and his opponents
= Joseph Parker pro debut =
On Joseph Parkers professional boxing debut, Martin trained and cornered Parker when he fought Dean Garmonsway on the 5th July 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=relKE7BcHV8&ab_channel=SkySportNZ|title=Joseph Parker v Dean Garmonsway|publisher=Sky Sports NZ|date=2014-10-02|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2CIZmgNY2U&ab_channel=GladrapChannel|title=Parker's former trainer Chris Martin on Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker|publisher=Gladrap|date=2018-03-15|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN5FQAFIhS4&ab_channel=GladrapChannel|title=Parker's former trainer Chris Martin on Parker's Loss to Dillian Whyte|publisher=Gladrap|date=2018-08-19|access-date=2023-08-21}}
= Afa Tatupu =
Martin trained Tatupu for his fight against Joseph Parker in 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|access-date=2023-08-21}} Martin trained Tatupu full time, training twice a day leading into this fight.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-boxer-focused-despite-1m-distractions/FAHTFETADLETKJ2KUBISUUW2XE/|title=Boxing: Boxer focused despite 1m distractions
|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2013-10-09|access-date=2023-08-21}}
= Brian Minto =
In 2014, Martin trained Brian Minto in his fight against Joseph Parker.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-parker-due-back-in-nz/WOJ3FLK6YJRC35Y3IVULXRIRYQ/|title=Boxing: Parker due back in NZ|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=|access-date=2023-08-21}} Minto trained with Martin at Auckland's Boxing Alley Gym.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/minto-team-parker-scared-hell-with-testing-demands--79048|title=Minto: Team Parker Scared as Hell With Testing Demands
|publisher=Boxing Scene|date=2014-06-18|access-date=2023-08-21}} Leading into the fight, Minto broke his nose.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/10205162/Broken-nose-no-bar-to-tough-guy-Brian-Minto|title=Broken nose no bar to tough-guy Brian Minto|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2014-06-27|access-date=2023-08-21}} Minto lost the fight by stoppage.
= Cornering Joseph Parker =
Celebrity training
Martin was regular requested by boxers and celebrities to train them while in New Zealand. One example of this is Jimmy Spithill.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/spithill-comes-out-swinging/J7PVM7SFGTMLSKNE6SE32BYH3I/|title=Spithill comes out swinging
|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=|access-date=2023-08-21}} Another was Shortland Street Actor Bree Peters.{{cite web|url=https://pressreader.com/article/281852937444633|title=Punch-up for TV bad girl
|publisher=Manawatu Standard|date=2015-11-05|access-date=2023-08-29}}
Death
On 21 August 2023, Martin died suddenly of a heart attack, at the age of 59.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/132786926/respected-kiwi-boxing-coach-chris-martin-who-worked-with-david-tua-and-joseph-parker-dies|title=Respected Kiwi boxing coach Chris Martin, who worked with David Tua and Joseph Parker, dies|publisher=Stuff News|date=2023-08-21|access-date=2023-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://medicotopics.com/chris-martin-died-nz-boxing-coach-and-trainer-passed-away-unexpectedly-cause-of-death-obituary/|title=Chris Martin died, NZ boxing coach and trainer passed away unexpectedly, cause of death & Obituary|publisher=Micro Topics|date=2023-08-21|access-date=2023-08-21}}
Awards
- Joe Thwaites Shield (2003){{cite web|url=https://www.boxingnz.org.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=1ca31419-7448-46bf-860d-494d09af5890|title=JOE THWAITES SHEILD Coach of The Jameson Belt Winner National Championships|publisher=Boxing New Zealand|access-date=2023-08-29}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingnz.org.nz/newsarticle/68246|title=JAMESON BELT ON THE LINE IN CHRISTCHURCH|publisher=Boxing New Zealand|date=2018-09-20|access-date=2023-08-29}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{BoxRec|id=541806}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Martin, Chris}}
Category:Year of birth uncertain
Category:New Zealand boxing trainers
Category:New Zealand male boxers
Category:Boxers trained by Chris Martin