Richard Tutaki (right) at the Fight For Life Weigh In, 2012. Photo: William Booth/photosport.co.nz Photo: William Booth
Richard Tutaki, a former New Zealand heavyweight title contender, has died aged 46.
Tutaki, who was known as the Tutaki Express Train, fought in the same era as well-known New Zealand fighters like Shane Cameron and Joseph Parker.
He died earlier this week after what was believed to be a heart attack.
Tutaki had 49 professional fights for 21 wins.
In 2012, Tutaki was named to fight Sonny Bill Williams for the New Zealand heavyweight title but he was later dropped from the card as he was facing criminal charges.
Later that year, Tutaki fought the future world champion Joseph Parker as the headline bout at Fight for Life, losing in three rounds.
The Aucklander was pegged as a promising heavyweight prospect but did not reach the heights of former champions David Tua and Parker.
Boxing New Zealand president Steve Hartley said the organisation extended its condolences to Tutaki's family.
New Zealand professional boxing judge Benjamin Watt said Tutaki's death was a huge blow to the boxing community.
"Richard Tutaki was a great man who achieved a lot in boxing and has fought some of the best heavyweight boxers to come out of the south Pacific.
"In his 22-year boxing career, he won his first professional title winning the New Zealand national and WBC Australasian Silver titles in 2023. He will be missed."
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