Billy Graham (New Zealand boxer)


William Neil Graham born in Naenae, New Zealand was the winner of four New Zealand titles at light welterweight, plus an Australasian title and the Jamieson Belt.
Trained by the legendary Dick Dunn, Billy's amateur career was outstanding. Billy didn't turn pro but in the late 1960s Bob Jones wrote the following about young Billy:
When he was 28 his coach told him it was time to stop boxing. Billy left boxing after 18 years in the ring without ever having taken a blow to the head. He now runs the Naenae Boxing Academy in Naenae, New Zealand which has gained recognition from several newspapers.

Honours and awards

In 2011, Graham was named the Local Community Hero of the Year at the New Zealander of the Year awards.
In the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours, Graham was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to youth and the community.