DAVE CAMERON

One of New Zealand’s top boxing and wrestling historians, along with being the nicest man in boxing, Dave was born in Wyndham (near Invercargill) in 1933. He had six brothers (but no sisters) and his family moved around quite a bit due to his dad’s occupation as a Presbytarian minister.

The family lived in Arrowtown (also on the south island) and Gisborne and it was there that Dave first became interested in boxing and its rich history. As a young boy he used to sneak to the forge of local blacksmith forge in Matawhero, where he would operate the bellows for the smithy (Frank Hollis). Every Saturday Frank would have Dave put on the boxing gloves to box the local kids (and his own brothers). Frank used to regale the boys with tales ‘Ruby’ Robert Fitzsimmons (also a smithy).

Dave’s parents had no idea Dave was working at the forge or that he was boxing every weekend. Another thing his parents didn’t know was that Dave would be awake ’till past midnight on a school night listening to the boxing and wrestling broadcasts over the radio waves from Australia – along with local events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Hiding under the blankets while taking notes, Dave soon learned all about the personalities of boxing and wrestling. His love of the names, places, and history has never left him.

By the age of 16 (in 1949) Dave had his first article published in an English wrestling magazine (which was about Kiwi wrestler Ike Robin). Since then he has gone on to write for many boxing and wrestling magazines, including being the NZ correspondent for Ring magazine.

Dave’s collection of books, magazines, ephemera, and photographs was the product of a lifetime of collecting and scrap-booking. One of his greatest joys was attending local tournaments and events and taking photos of anybody and everybody; from the headline professionals to the tiny boxers having their first bout.

Being the nice man he is, Dave has also provided photographs to fellow historians, magazines, newspapers, TV, and family members researching their sporting ancestry.

His books – New Zealand Boxing Scrapbook (which showcases many rare items from his collection) and 70 years at Ringside (a history of New Zealand wrestling) are much sought-after editions.

Dave retired to the North Shore of Auckland with his lovely wife Shirley.