Naenae Boxing Academy

The Naenae Boxing Academy is a world-class facility with a mission to transform the lives of young people through boxing and life-skills coaching. Founded in 2006 by Billy Graham, an internationally renowned Kiwi speaker and boxing champion, the Academy is the realization of his lifelong dream to inspire local youth. Governed by the Naenae Youth Charitable Trust, the Academy’s programs focus on teaching discipline, resilience, and the art of self-defense while fostering personal growth and confidence. Located in Treadwell Street, Naenae, the facility provides a structured, high-standard environment where participants can develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. With a commitment to excellence and community impact, the Naenae Boxing Academy empowers young people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. When you join, you’re not just learning boxing—you’re gaining life-changing skills to build a brighter future.
Meet the team
Wanting to get involved? Contact Us

Tash Thompson

Khaz Gough

David R Graham

Mana E Tito

Boston Fuge
Our Gold Supporters
Supporting us
Our Supporters
Huge thank you to all of your supporters. Big or small, we need your help to make a difference!
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Volunteer roles vary from partner to partner. All volunteers must adhere to our policies and undergo a process.
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Nate
Over 13 years ago there was an episode on the “Sunday” TVNZ program about Billy and the Naenae Boxing Academy – I was intrigued! I had also seen how some of the boys from school had become extremely fit and gained a really positive attitude from going to the gym. I went to sign up as soon as I could after that.

Saxon
I love boxing and I love the sport, but the thing that keeps me coming back is the community of the gym. A handshake, a smile, and a good conversation are guaranteed from every person you meet in the gym as you first enter.
Learn more about what you’re supporting
Your support gives more kiwi youth access to life-skills through participation in and the discipline of boxing and physical fitness as well as to give them a place of refuge.
Here are common questions we come across when it comes to Champions Boxing Academies:
Amateur boxing, with its emphasis on safety and sportsmanship, offers a constructive way for young people to build character, maintain fitness, and learn valuable life skills. The sport instils important life values such as sportsmanship, humility, and perseverance, while developing focus, confidence, and the ability to deal with adversity and stress. It is also a very attractive activity to many young people, it is something they want to try rather feel forced to and they stay engaged for a longer period of time.
Amateur boxing, as a sport, has very stringent medical controls. Registration requires an annual medical, with another medical prior to every bout. Boxers are evenly matched according to age, weight, experience, and gender. Coaches at all Champions Initiative Academies are trained to deliver sound boxing techniques, while holding the appropriate licensing, along with first-aid, and child protection certification. Our programmes revolve around skill and fitness development, with contact during practice ranging from zero to mild for those who just want to train and compete.
Both youth and sports development research indicates that the greatest impact is made when as many individuals as possible are engaged, for as long as possible, and in the best environment. Our academies not only provide extended pathways for skill development and competition (for those that want it), but also provide the best environments possible.
Naenae Boxing Academy
