A shot at the title
Kyle Merewether
Boxer Kyle Merewether is set to fight for the New Zealand Cruiserweight Title against current champion John Parker.
By Dan Hutchinson
Kyle, 42, from Motuoapa, is finally getting his shot at the goal he's been chasing his entire career.
"My goal was always to turn professional and win a New Zealand title."
He has come tantalisingly close to a title and beat Parker in August, taking the fight on just a few days’ notice and winning over six rounds in a split decision.
Parker, brother of former WBO world heavyweight title holder Joseph Parker, failed to make the cruiserweight limit of 90.7 kilograms, meaning they fought as heavyweights and the cruiserweight title was not on the line.
This time, both fighters have to come in on weight.
"I've been trying to get a fight with him for a few years now. So yeah, it finally happened. And now we can make it two in a row."
The upcoming bout is scheduled for 10 rounds, a step up from their first meeting.
Merewether currently sits around 95 kg but says cutting to the cruiserweight limit over nine weeks of training camp is manageable for the November 14 fight in Putaruru.
"I just watch what I eat, put in more running," he says, noting that once camp is in full swing, he'll be training twice a day, six days a week.
He comes into the fight with 54 amateur bouts and six professional fights behind him, currently on a three-fight win streak.
His amateur career includes a bronze medal at the Arafura Games, a championship win in Tahiti, and victories over New Zealand and Australian champions.
As a professional, he fought for the Oceania Cruiserweight title in just his second bout and has faced the likes of Liam Meeson.
"I don't really do it as much for the money. It's just — I enjoy it, and the money's just a bonus."
He trains out of HIT Fitness in Hamilton under Cairo George.
He's confident heading into the rematch.
"I proved in the last fight that I was fitter than him and faster, so I just need to get my fitness up and I'll do it again."
Outside the ring, Merewether and his wife Cindy run Urban Pulse, a fitness business offering boxing and personal training classes out of Motuoapa and Tūrangi.