Phin Stone

1907 – 1990. 

Phin Stone, born Phineas John Stone, Nov 15, 1907, in Wellington, devoted almost his entire life to the sport he loved. Amateur boxer, professional boxer, judge, referee and administrator, Phin Stone was deeply involved in all areas of boxing. 

As a competitor he compiled a fine amateur record, just one defeat from his 22 recorded bouts. A two-time NZ amateur welterweight champion 1928 & 1929. He was the first welterweight title holder to have his name inscribed on the prestigious Morgan Cup. Ironical that when Phin decided to enter the pro ranks it was Ted Morgan who Stone fought in his pro debut, Oct 10, 1929. The Olympic gold medallist in his second paid fight KO’D Stone in the tenth and final round.  

After the loss against Morgan, Phin Stone crossed the ditch to try his luck in Australia. In the first of his 3 bouts, all in Sydney’s Leichhardt Stadium, on Feb 2, 1930, he defeated Jack Halliday KO 5. Over the next 4 weeks he defeated Keith Owen KO 2 and Mick Waters PTS 6. Back in New Zealand Phin was matched against Australian domiciled Kiwi Billy Richards in the Wellington Town Hall on Jun 19, 1930. 

In the period following his return from Australia 3 months prior, Phin had packed on some 9 lbs. The extra weight, in addition to fighting an opponent with considerably more experience than himself can’t have helped his chances in this fight. Richards gave Stone a comprehensive drubbing, the referee called a halt to proceedings in the seventh of a scheduled 15 round contest. That was enough for Stone, and he decided to call it a day after what was a brief pro career, Ring Record: 5 bouts, 3 -, 2.  

Although he’d retired from the competitive side of the sport Phin Stone didn’t retire from boxing. For many years particularly the period 1939 – 1975 he remained active, committed and effective as a judge, referee and administrator. As part of the management committee of the Wellington Boxing Assoc he has the unique distinction of having been involved in all three of that city’s Empire/Commonwealth professional title fights; Gerald Dreyer – Barry Brown 1954, Bunny Grant – Manny Santos 1967, and Joe Tetteh – Joey Santos, 1972.  

Perhaps though, it is Phin Stone’s contribution as a referee that he is remembered most favourably for. Having refereed literally hundred’s possibly over 1000 amateur and professional bouts in a career that firmly established him as one of this country’s finest referees. Phin Stone died in 1990, Aged 82. 

MP: 2025