David Nyika will look to make history in Birmingham as the first boxer to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals.
Boxer David Nyika is chasing a third Commonwealth Games medal. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The boxer from Hamilton will lead an eight-strong New Zealand boxing team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
"The Commonwealth Games are where I first made my mark, fighting as an 18-year-old in Glasgow. I always enjoy them, it's got a really nice feel and there's always some quality competition as well," Nyika said.
Nyika's Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo was New Zealand's first Olympic boxing medal in 29-years. He will turn 27 years old during the Commonwealth Games.
Auckland's Troy Garton is the only other team member with previous Games experience, having won bronze at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Troy Garton will be back in the ring in Birmingham. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It was a remarkable campaign for the 34-year-old who fought on a torn ACL.
"I tore it in my last training session before flying out to the Gold Coast," Garton said.
"The medical team looked after me really well and I somehow managed to fight my way to bronze. I then went into surgery two weeks post Games and have come back better than ever."
Garton was looking forward to being more mobile in her second Commonwealth Games.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone involved and everyone who's believed in me, I'm extremely grateful. I can't wait to get there and am hoping I'll even be able to walk in Opening Ceremony this time."
The other six athletes will all be making their Commonwealth Games debuts and have been selected following successful international seasons.
Boxing New Zealand's Mark Keddell said the organisation is excited about the potential of the athletes.
"This is a really strong team and we know we're capable of some great results in Birmingham," Keddell said.
"Most of the team is off to Ireland for a training camp early next month and then we're into it. I'd like to wish the athletes all the best for what I'm sure will be a fantastic campaign."
The boxing competition at Birmingham 2022 will begin on 29 July and finish on 7 August, with bouts to be held in the National Exhibition Centre.
The naming takes the total number of athletes currently selected to the New Zealand Team for Birmingham 2022 to 165.
New Zealand boxing team for 2022 Commonwealth Games
David Nyika - Men's U92kg
Erin Walsh - Women's U57kg
Wendell Stanley - Men's U71kg
Onyx Lye - Men's U80kg
Troy Garton - Women's U60kg
Ariane Nicholson - Women's U70kg
Uila Mau'u - Men's 92+kg
Alex Mukuka - Men's U57kg
*Emile Richardson has been selected as a reserve in the Men's U75kg division.