(SEPT 30) New Zealand's longest serving boxing official, Patrick Leonard has passed away, days after his 90th birthday.

It was announced on the 27th of September by President of New Zealand Professional Boxing Association Steve Scott, that Pat Leonard died that morning.

“With great sadness I must advise the BOXING world of the passing of PAT LEONARD may he forever R.I.P - N.Z.P.B.A”

Pat Leonard is New Zealand's longest serving boxing official where he has supervised, judged and administered New Zealand boxing since the 1960s (if not earlier). For the entirety of his career, he has been a loyal member to the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association, since its days known as the South Pacific Boxing association.

For many years, he was the national secretary for NZPBA, and even held the title as treasurer as well. He eventually reached the title of president of NZPBA.


He has done so much work, he was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his years of service in 2010. After being awarded the honour, he received the nickname of Sir Pat Leonard in the boxing community. He has also worked as a Justice of the Peace for many years.

As a Boxing Judge he has officiated many legendary fights including multiple David Tua fights including David Tua’s first fight in New Zealand as a professional boxer in 1993, multiple Antony Mundine fights including Anthony Mundine vs Mike Makata in 2001, multiple Shane Cameron fights including Shane Cameron vs Jonathan Haggler, Legendary female fighter Michelle Preston, former world champion Daniella Smith and many many more.

In the later part of his career he switched from judging to supervising officials and supervising title fights, mostly involving Joseph Parker, Robert Berridge, and Jeff Horn.

One of the two biggest fights in New Zealand boxing history, Pat Leonard was the sanctioning supervisor for the WBO including David Tua vs Shane Cameron and Joseph Parker vs Junior Fa. Even though it was not recorded, Pat Leonard was the assistant supervisor for the WBO for Joseph Parker World title fights in New Zealand. Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa was Pat Leonard's last supervising fight.

Pat Leonard is one of the most respected officials in New Zealand, where in New Zealand there are multiple sanctioning bodies, Pat Leonard was always the most respected official.

Outside of Boxing Pat Leonard worked in Immigration, however, his life work was always in boxing. Pat left behind Ngarita Leonard as well as many children and grandchildren. May he rest in peace. 1935 - 2025

Photo credit: Permission/Promoter-Photographer/via Benjamin Watt information.

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