David Light (boxer)

David is the youngest of eight children to New Zealand inventor Len Light who invented the world's first do-it-yourself yoghurt maker,{{Cite news|title = Getting bucks from bacteria|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=154153|work= The New Zealand Herald|date = 2000-10-05|access-date = 2016-01-05|issn = 1170-0777|language = en-NZ}} founding the then family business of Easiyo in 1992{{Cite web|title = 21 years for EasiYo and a new Chief Executive {{!}} Scoop News|url = http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1303/S00807/21-years-for-easiyo-and-a-new-chief-executive.htm|website = www.scoop.co.nz|access-date = 2016-01-05}} and later of New Zealand Pure Dairy Ltd.{{Cite web|title = Len Light - Founder {{!}} New Zealand Pure Dairy Limited|url = http://www.nzpuredairy.co.nz/profiles/1003/len-light/|website = www.nzpuredairy.co.nz|access-date = 2016-01-05}}

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.{{Cite news|title = That's gold as boxer David Light advances|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/commonwealth-games/10340851/Thats-gold-as-boxer-David-Light-advances|work=Stuff |date = 2014-08-02|access-date = 2016-01-05|first = Matt Richens in|last = Glasgow}}

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|date=April 2020}}

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."{{Cite web|title = Boxer David Light undecided on future|url = http://www.3news.co.nz/sport/boxer-david-light-undecided-on-future-2014080311#axzz3wMdGzyIA|access-date = 2016-01-05}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

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.{{Cite web|title = Glasgow 2014 - David Light Profile|url = http://g2014results.thecgf.com/athlete/boxing/1033368/d_light.html|website = g2014results.thecgf.com|access-date = 2016-01-05}}

Elite Heavyweight (91 kg){{cite news |title= New Zealand Amateur boxing Results 2009 - 2014|url= http://www.boxingnz.org.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=ec96514c-3dc6-4454-859f-56386570e274 |work=Boxing New Zealand |access-date=4 November 2017}}

1. Defeated E Enoka in Semifinals
2. Lost Tino Honey in finals

Elite Heavyweight (91 kg){{cite news |title= New Zealand National Amateur Champions|url= http://www.boxingnz.org.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=3915c91c-eda5-4a33-9c95-9d99fd1c8759 |work=Boxing New Zealand |access-date=4 November 2017}}

1. Defeated Kahukura Bentson in Quarterfinals
2. Defeated Floyd Masson in Semifinals
3. Defeated Tino Honey in finals

Elite Heavyweight (91 kg)

1. Defeated Hale Faiumu in semifinals
2. Defeated Toa Leutele in finals

Elite Heavyweight (91 kg):

1. Defeated Floyd Masson in semifinals
2. Defeated Tino Honey in finals

Heavyweight (91 kg)

1. Defeated Muhammad Meeraj Omar (Malaysia) in Round of 16
2. Defeated Charles Okoth (Kenya) in quarterfinals
3. Defeated Stephen Lavelle (Scotland) in semifinal
4. Lost Samir El-Mais (Canada) in final

In October 2018, Light took on Fijian boxer James Singh in his ninth fight of his professional boxing career.{{cite news |title= Singh books bout with Light|url= https://www.fijitimes.com/singh-books-bout-with-light/ |work=Fiji Times |access-date=3 December 2022}}{{cite news |title= Singh's fight|url= https://www.fijitimes.com/singhs-fight-2/ |work=Fiji Times |access-date=3 December 2022}} 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.{{cite news |title= Naliva gears up for cruiserweight bout against Light|url= https://www.fijitimes.com/naliva-gears-up-for-cruiserweight-bout-against-light/ |work=Fiji Times |access-date=3 December 2022}} This is the first time in lights professional career that he fought for an international title.{{cite news |title= Light chases first international title|url= https://newzealandfighter.co.nz/home/2018/11/1/light-chases-first-international-title-at-shane-camerons-fight-night |work=New Zealand Fighter |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220155946/https://newzealandfighter.co.nz/home/2018/11/1/light-chases-first-international-title-at-shane-camerons-fight-night |access-date=3 December 2022|archive-date= 20 December 2018 }} Light won the fight by third round stoppage, winning his first international title.{{cite news |title= Light downs Naliva in NZ|url= https://www.fijitimes.com/light-downs-naliva-in-nz/ |work=Fiji Times |access-date=3 December 2022}}{{cite news |title= Fiji boxer Naliva fails to end Light's unbeaten run|url= https://www.fijitimes.com/fiji-boxer-naliva-fails-to-end-lights-unbeaten-run/ |work=Fiji Times |access-date=3 December 2022}} In December 2018, Light took on Lance Bryant on a Joseph Parker undercard. Light won the fight by second round stoppage.{{cite news |title= From sniggering to staring: Dave Light ready to take on boxing world|url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/109570677/from-sniggering-to-staring-dave-light-ready-to-take-on-boxing-world |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=3 December 2022}}

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.{{cite news |title= WBO Oriental Jr. Heavyweight Championship: Light Vs. Flanagan|url= https://wboboxing.com/boxing-news/wbo-oriental-jr-heavyweight-championship-light-vs-flanagan/ |work=WBO |access-date=3 December 2022}} Light won the fight by Unanimous Decision.{{cite news |title= David Light is the new WBO Oriental Jr. Heavyweight Champion|url= https://wboboxing.com/tag/david-light/ |work=WBO |access-date=3 December 2022}} 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.{{cite news |title= Unbeaten Kiwi cruiserweight Dave Light takes another step towards WBO title shot|url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/118026933/unbeaten-kiwi-cruiserweight-dave-light-takes-another-step-towards-wbo-title-shot |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=3 December 2022}} 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.{{cite news |title= Controversy surrounding David Lights Fight|url=https://www.ringnews24.com/2019/12/09/controversy-surrounding-david-lights-fight/ |work=Ring News 24 |access-date=3 December 2022}} Light finished his 2019 with the ranking of 8th in WBO, 14th in IBF, 30th in the WBC and 38th on Boxrec.{{cite news |title= New Zealand current world rankings|url=https://fightnews.co.nz/news/169515-new-zealand-current-world-rankings.html |work=Fight News NZ |access-date=3 December 2022}}

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.{{cite news |title= Mose Jr Auimatagi eyes career-changing win|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/433231/mose-jr-auimatagi-eyes-career-changing-win |work=RNZ |access-date=3 December 2022}}{{cite news |title= Boxer Mose Auimatagi Jnr jumps two weight divisions to pursue WBO Oriental Title|url=https://tpplus.co.nz/sports/boxer-mose-auimatagi-jnr-jumps-two-weight-divisions-to-pursue-wbo-oriental-title/?fbclid=IwAR2v2ZzpqJs_1DEz2R1rMQ_H9usNjf0eBdy94UU1p7rFgZ3icANpJ1skvVM |work=TPPlus |access-date=3 December 2022}} Light won the fight by Unanimous Decision.{{cite news |title= Mose Auimatagi Jnr Scheduled For International Return|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2211/S00200/mose-auimatagi-jnr-scheduled-for-international-return.htm |work=Scoop |access-date=3 December 2022}} Light will return to the ring after recovering from an ACL injury in 2022.{{cite news |title= Boxing: World title shot in reach for Kiwi David Light with potential WBO cruiserweight title eliminator|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing-world-title-shot-in-reach-for-kiwi-david-light-with-potential-wbo-cruiserweight-title-eliminator/3NYHOBODLBGCTAZ6KV425CCTPE/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=3 December 2022}} Light would make is USA debut when he took on Anthony Martinez in May 2022, in Florida.{{cite news |title= 'It's pretty planned out': Kiwi cruiserweight David Light on the verge of a world title shot|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300576406/its-pretty-planned-out-kiwi-cruiserweight-david-light-closing-in-on-a-world-title-shot |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=3 December 2022}} 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.{{cite news |title= Kiwi cruiserweight prospect David Light scores stunning first round victory in Florida|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300582872/kiwi-cruiserweight-contender-david-light-earns-stunning-first-round-tko-in-florida |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=3 December 2022}} 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.{{cite news |title= 'I want to make that happen': David Light eyes world title shot against Australian rival|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300704138/i-want-to-make-that-happen-david-light-eyes-world-title-shot-against-australian-rival |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=3 December 2022}} 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.{{cite news |title= Kiwi David Light gets heavy duty in preparation for big time|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/12/01/kiwi-david-light-gets-heavy-duty-in-preparation-for-big-time/ |work=One News |access-date=3 December 2022}} Light defending his WBO International title and Glanton defending his WBO Global title.{{cite news |title= Brandon Glanton-David Light To Headline December 2 ProBox Card In Plant City, Florida|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/brandon-glanton-david-light-headline-december-2-probox-card-plant-city-florida--170029 |work=Boxing Scene |access-date=3 December 2022}}{{cite news |title= WBO INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DAVID LIGHT ARRIVES IN TAMPA FOR FRIDAY'S SHOWDOWN AGAINST BRANDON GLANTON|url=https://www.15rounds.com/wbo-international-junior-heavyweight-champion-david-light-arrives-in-tampa-for-fridays-showdown-against-brandon-glanton/ |work=15 Rounds |access-date=3 December 2022}} Light won the fight by a close Split Decision with the world title shot expected to happen in March or April 2023.{{cite news |title= Kiwi cruiserweight David Light earns world title fight after split decision win|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300756330/kiwi-cruiserweight-david-light-earns-world-title-fight-after-split-decision-win |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=3 December 2022}}

On 5 December 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.{{cite news |title= Re: WBO Jr. Heavyweight Mandatory Championship Contest – Negotiations Lawrence Okolie vs. David Light|url=https://wboboxing.com/boxing-news/re-wbo-jr-heavyweight-mandatory-championship-contest-negotiations-lawrence-okolie-vs-david-light/ |work=WBO |access-date=6 December 2022}} On 6 December 2022, WBO announced that the World title fight will be going to the Purse bid on 14 December in Puerto Rico.{{cite news |title= WBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE RESOLUTION: WBO Jr. Heavyweight Mandatory Championship Contest Lawrence Okolie vs. David Light|url=https://wboboxing.com/boxing-news/wbo-world-championship-committee-resolution-okolie-light/ |work=WBO |access-date=7 December 2022}} On 13 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.{{cite news |title= Re: WBO – Okolie/Light – Purse Bid|url=https://wboboxing.com/boxing-news/re-wbo-okolie-light-purse-bid/ |work=WBO |access-date=15 December 2022}} It was revealed on 15 December that the world title fight would likely happen in the UK in March 2023.{{cite news |title= Boxing: Kiwi David Light eyes unlikely world cruiserweight title bid against champion Lawrence Okolie|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2022/12/boxing-kiwi-david-light-eyes-unlikely-world-cruiserweight-title-bid-against-champion-lawrence-okolie.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100822/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2022/12/boxing-kiwi-david-light-eyes-unlikely-world-cruiserweight-title-bid-against-champion-lawrence-okolie.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 December 2022 |work=Newshub |access-date=15 December 2022}} On 23 December, it was announced that both team have come to an agreement and will fight in the UK on 11 March.{{cite news |title= David Light gets 'perfect' date for world title shot in London|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/481343/david-light-gets-perfect-date-for-world-title-shot-in-london |work=Radio New Zealand |access-date=23 December 2022}} The fight will be promoted by Ben Shalom under UK Boxing promotion "Boxxer".{{cite news |title= Lawrence Okolie-David Light WBO Title Fight Set For March 11 in London, Avoid Purse Bid|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/lawrence-okolie-david-light-wbo-title-fight-set-march-11-london-avoid-purse-bid--171333 |work=Boxing Scene |access-date=23 December 2022}} This is the same promoter for Joseph Parker.{{cite news |title= Joseph Parker returns against British cruiserweight|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/130837321/joseph-parker-returns-against-british-cruiserweight |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=23 December 2022}} Leading into the World title fight, he received a significant ranking increase in the world bodies including 1st with the WBO{{Cite web|date=14 December 2022|title=WBO Rankings|url=https://wboboxing.com/wp-content/themes/wbo21/pdf.php|access-date=7 January 2023|website=WBO|language=en}} and 5th in the IBF.{{Cite web|date=5 January 2023|title=IBF Rankings|url=https://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/index.php?option=com_usboxing&task=ratingpdf&month=12&year=2022&gender=male&oid=1|access-date=7 January 2023|website=IBF|language=en}} Light lost the fight by unanimous decision, but Light was praised for his toughness.{{Cite web|date=26 March 2023|title=Lawrence Okolie defends WBO world cruiserweight title but tough David Light goes the distance|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12842446/lawrence-okolie-defends-wbo-world-cruiserweight-title-but-tough-david-light-goes-the-distance|access-date=28 March 2023|website=Sky Sports|language=en}} After the fight, Lights trainer Isaac Peach, blast the referee for allowing Lawrence Okolie to fowl multiple times throughout the fight.{{Cite web|date=27 March 2023|title=David Light's trainer blasts refereeing in world title loss to Lawrence Okolie|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300839452/david-lights-trainer-blasts-refereeing-in-world-title-loss-to-lawrence-okolie|access-date=28 March 2023|website=Stuff NZ|language=en}} A month after the fight, it was announced that Light suffered a stroke as a result of the damage he sustained during the fight.{{Cite web|date=3 May 2023|title=Kiwi boxer David Light treated for stroke after world title loss

|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/05/03/kiwi-boxer-david-light-treated-for-stroke-after-world-title-loss/|access-date=20 November 2023|website=TVNZ One News|language=en}} Due to this, Light was forced to retire from boxing.{{Cite web|date=9 July 2023|title=From a world title fight to never boxing again: David Light opens up on blood clot battle, surviving stroke |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/from-a-world-title-fight-to-never-boxing-again-david-light-opens-up-on-blood-clot-battle-surviving-stroke/6NOIIHL5OJBTDHURATJDURLR6E/|access-date=20 November 2023|website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en}}

{{BoxingRecordSummary

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins=12

|ko-losses=

|dec-wins=8

|dec-losses=1

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|wins=20}}

• 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Boxer of the year (Nominated)
• 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Male boxer of the year (Nominated){{cite web|title=Winners 2019 Gladrap Awards|url=https://gladrapawards.weebly.com/winners2019.html|publisher=Gladrap|access-date=3 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102134133/https://gladrapawards.weebly.com/winners2019.html|url-status=dead}}
• 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){{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2qciOAO7-U |title=Gladrap Awards 2019 |publisher=Gladrap Channel |access-date=3 January 2020}}
• 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){{cite web |url=https://www.newzealandfighter.co.nz/news/benjis-2020-new-zealand-boxing-awards |title=BENJIS 2020 NEW ZEALAND BOXING AWARDS |publisher=New Zealand Fighter |access-date=5 January 2021 |archive-date=7 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107063908/https://www.newzealandfighter.co.nz/news/benjis-2020-new-zealand-boxing-awards |url-status=dead }}
• 2020 New Zealand Fighter Boxing Awards Male boxer of the year (Won)
• 2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards Champion of the year (Won){{cite web|url=https://btwboxing.substack.com/p/2022-new-zealand-boxing-awards |title=2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards |date=10 December 2022 |publisher=Boxing Awards NZ |access-date=10 December 2022}}
• 2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards International Fight of the year (Won)

{{reflist}}

• {{NZOC profile|david-light}}
• {{BoxRec|id=813743}}

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}

{{s-new}}

{{s-ttl|title=New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) cruiserweight Champion

|years=21 April 2018 – 2021}}

{{s-vac|next=Joshua Francis}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Damir Beljo}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBF Intercontinental cruiserweight champion

|years=2 November 2018 }}

{{s-vac}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last= Yury Kashinsky}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO Oriental cruiserweight champion

|years=18 May 2019 – 25 March 2023}}

{{s-vac}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last= Lawrence Okolie}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO International cruiserweight champion

|years=7 May 2022 – 25 March 2023}}

{{s-vac}}

{{s-bef|before=Brandon Glanton}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO Global cruiserweight champion

|years=2 December 2022 – 25 March 2023}}

{{s-vac}}

{{end}}

{{2014 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Light, David}}

Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:Heavyweight boxers

Category:Cruiserweight boxers

Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for New Zealand

Category:Boxers at the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Category:People from Takapuna

Category:New Zealand male boxers

Category:Medallists at the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Category:Boxers trained by Isaac Peach

Category:21st-century New Zealand sportsmen

Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists in boxing