The fire on Castle Hill, Canterbury continues to burn as it has since Thursday this week. Labour continues to press the governments policies as Franklin road prepares to re-open.
Former NZ heavyweight champion Richard Tutaki has died aged 46
The “Tutaki Express Train” died in hospital after suffering a heart attack
Planned bout against Sonny Bill Williams in 2012 canned amid Tutaki’s legal problems
Boxer Richard Tutaki, known in the ring as the “Tutaki Express Train”, has died after suffering a heart attack, Stuff has reported.
Tutaki, 46, was a former New Zealand heavyweight title contender with bouts against Joseph Parker and Shane Cameron.
Tutaki had 21 wins across his 49 professional fights, retiring seven years ago before a two-fight comeback last year, where he won the vacant New Zealand Professional Boxing Commission heavyweight title.
As well as taking on high-profile fighters such as Parker - whom he lost to in three rounds of the headline bout for Fight for Life - Tutaki’s other opponents included Jason Suttie, Bob Mirovic, Mohamed Azzaoui, Lawrence Tauasa, Nathan Briggs and Roger Izonritei.
Joseph Parker, left, and Richard Tutaki in action during the 2012 Fight for Life. Photo / Getty Images
When Tutaki turned up prepared, he could be formidable, Cameron told Stuff.
“He had an unorthodox style where he would catch you with shots you shouldn’t be caught by.
“He had a natural off-beat style. He was a tough bastard, he wasn’t intimidated and he would take on anyone - if he’d stayed fit and had a bit more discipline he could have gone a lot further.”
Tutaki’s troubles with the law included charges relating to driving offences, breaching community work and possession of methamphetamine.
