Whanganui-based boxer Niwa Barlow is relishing the potential opportunity to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in his first competitive year.
The 103kg, 188cm (6ft 2in), super heavyweight amateur boxer has only lost two fights in 13 matches so far in his boxing career.
Those two losses wereby split decision against the reigning New Zealand champion, 35-year-old Jordan Collins, from Wellington.
He attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School, where he played for the First XV as a winger and went on to be selected for the New Zealand Māori Under-18, Chiefs Under-20 and Taranaki Development teams.
After the 2022 season, Barlow stepped away from rugby to follow his true passion, which was combat sports.
“A big thing that was always said in the [rugby] development camps was around if you don’t love what you are doing, then you’re not going to make it,” he said.
“What I came to understand at the end of that process was that I’d rather be a poor fighter than a rich rugby player.
“One thing I learned in rugby was how to apply myself, and that was for a sport that I didn’t want to do, so now my commitment and intensity of attention is so much greater,” Barlow said.
After he conquered his fear of the ring, it was difficult not to “go the other way” by being too energetic and eager, he said.
His two losses to Collins were “absolutely necessary” to progress to where he was now.
“After I lost, it was a nice reset. It purged away all of my old ego that I was bringing with me,” he said.
Barlow said he wasn't getting the same enjoyment from playing rugby. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown
In early December, the 24-year-old beat Collins in the 2026 New Zealand Commonwealth Games boxing trials.
Barlow said it would “mean everything” to get the opportunity to represent New Zealand.
“I’ve got to dream big. You dream, and you die when you give up on it.”
He wants to make a career out of boxing.
“I need to live my life and dream; I’ll do it until I die,” he said.
“I’ll never give up on the stuff that I care about, it’s one way or no way for me, and this is the way.”
Representing the country would be the ultimate “thank you” to the people who have supported him and his coaches, Lewis Lye and Collin Smith.
“I couldn’t do it by myself, the performance is done individually but the growth and training that you need, you couldn’t do by yourself,” Barlow said.
“I feel like the best way I can give my thanks is by doing something with myself.
“When the time comes to hang it up, it is testament to the people around me.”
Barlow is fundraising to cover expenses for his qualification events but requires additional sponsorships.
