Local boxing legend Mike Sykes said he was deeply humbled and honoured after
winning big at the recent 2016 Te Arawa Awards ceremony.
Sykes, 55, took home two of the top sports awards of the evening: winning the service to sports and coach of the year accolades thanks to his tireless contribution to sport in the community.
The experienced boxing coach admitted he was surprised and said the highlight of the evening was seeing so many talented youngsters within Te Arawa recognised.
"I didn't see it coming. It was a great honour and I am very proud," he said.
"It was a fantastic night and I've been round a long time trying to make a difference so to have that recognised was brilliant.
"For me to look around and see all the children and young adults achieving was very moving. They are the future and they were the ones to light up the night."
Sykes Boxing Gym manager Melissa Ruru, who nominated Sykes for the award, said: "I'm not surprised Mike won because he has done so much great work in the community.
"He is very modest because he deserves the recognition for all his effort and dedication."
It was a night of further celebration for the Sykes family with Mike's son Tyson, 28, scooping the prestigious senior sportsman of the year award after a successful 2016, that included winning the light heavyweight amateur title at the 2016 New Zealand National Championships in Rotorua.
"I've not always had an easy road in the sport so to win was special," said Tyson.
"To have boxing recognised at the awards was important because it can get a bad press, but there is so much youngsters can take from it."
Mike's passion for boxing started at the tender age of 12 after he was encouraged into the sport by his late father Gerry - a former English professional boxing champion who honed his skills fighting on navy boats.
The talented coach had a successful career in the ring himself, winning the New Zealand professional welter-weight belt and seven national amateur titles.
But after a career ending injury at the age of 35, Mike turned to coaching and has been running Sykes Boxing Gym in Rotorua for the past two decades, with co-trainer Campbell Morrison joining the team 10 years ago.
Sykes has had plenty of sports royalty grace, his gym including the likes of the late All Blacks hero Jonah Lomu and rugby sevens legend Eric Rush. The boxing trainer will soon be opening up a larger premise on Lake Rd.
"It's a very tough sport, there is no denying that because as soon as you step into that ring you are on your own with nowhere to hide," he said.
"But boxing has always been my passion and I think the sport instils so many amazing qualities into an individual.
"It can give confidence, discipline, show the importance of hard work and give empowerment.
"The new gym will be huge for the area and New Zealand. It will be top of the range with the best facilities available. We want to be able to host major tournaments and cater for the top national teams.
"However, most importantly we want to give something very positive to this community. I want to help change local people's lives through boxing and training."